Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from APEC economies are exploring new opportunities for artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation, with emerging technologies showcased at a major trade event in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province.

The 21st China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair, held alongside the 32nd APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting, featured a dedicated exhibition area for APEC member economies for the first time.

The four-day event, themed "AI Empowering SMEs", brought together more than 2,000 companies from 43 countries and regions, showcasing applications in AI, new energy, new materials and biomedicine.

Among the technologies on display were AI-powered solutions designed to support digital transformation, including embodied intelligence for industrial applications such as automotive wiring harness assembly. International exhibitors also explored partnerships in areas including robotics, smart products and AI-enabled fire detection systems.

The exchanges highlighted the potential for AI to help SMEs improve efficiency, develop new products and accelerate digital transformation across different industries.