The 8th Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation is scheduled to be held in Nanning, capital city of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Nov 26-30.

That's according to Jian Xingchao, deputy director of the Guangxi Science and Technology Department, who was speaking in Nanning on Nov 23.

Aiming to promote integrated development, this year's forum will hold a series of activities, Jian said.

These will include an opening ceremony, the main forum, a young scientist's forum, an advanced technology exhibition, a themed matchmaking conference for advanced technologies between China and ASEAN, as well as an international forum on sustainable development and cooperation in innovation between China and ASEAN.

Jian said that this year's event will invite high-level officials from the science and technology departments of six ASEAN countries -- namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand -- to deliver online keynote speeches.

Representatives in technology innovation from countries such as Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries will also participate in the young scientist's forum – both on-site and online. 

Southwest China's Sichuan province has been invited as the only guest of honor to this year's forum. It has set up a special exhibition area to showcase its achievements in establishing a modern industrial system and scientific innovation during COVID-19 pandemic control and prevention, boosting technology transfers and the commercialization of inventions and industrial breakthroughs between Sichuan and ASEAN countries. 

A number of contracts will also be signed during the event. "The signing of these projects will effectively deepen scientific innovation and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, as well as promote the high-quality development of the regional economy," Jian added. 

The Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation, first held in 2013, has established a platform for matchmaking and innovative cooperation in technology for ASEAN countries.

Officials say it has also boosted multi-tiered and sectoral cooperation in innovation between China, ASEAN countries, Japan and South Korea.