A foreign merchant shows off products from Ningbo at a matchmaking event at the 14th China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Sept 12. [Photo by Shan Yuzifeng/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo is launching a major charm offensive at this week's China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, as the city looks to secure new business opportunities in Southeast Asia for its companies.

The coastal city in Zhejiang province is enjoying a prominent role at the event thanks to its status as China's "City of Charm" for this year's expo.

Ningbo is seeking to take full advantage of this opportunity, and the city has taken out 110 booths to showcase its companies' products, according to the Ningbo commission of commerce.

The city is particularly keen to show off its achievements as China's first pilot city for Made in China 2025, an industrial strategy that aims to make Chinese companies world leaders in a number of key hi-tech industries.

Ningbo's displays at the expo focus on the city's electronics, mechanical equipment and agricultural industries.

Most pressure will be on Ningbo's export-oriented companies, which will be keen to crack the ASEAN market. "We expect the cooperation with companies from ASEAN member countries could create more opportunities for our company's development," said Zhu Donghui, an exhibitor from Ningbo at the expo.

Ningbo's culture will also be on show at the expo, with displays set up to promote the Tianyi Pavilion and its Hemudu archaeological remains.

Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli (second from right) is briefed on Ningbo's ports by Li Guanding (third from right), vice mayor of Ningbo, at the expo. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]