IME 2026 Successfully Concludes | Connecting ASEAN Industrial Resources and Supporting the Global Expansion of Chinese Enterprises

On July 24, 2026, the three-day Intelligent Manufacturing Expo Southeast Asia 2026 (IME 2026) successfully concluded at the IMPACT Exhibition Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

Organized by the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, DEXPO Shanghai Industry & Commerce Exhibition Co., Ltd., and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd., the exhibition covered 5,000 square meters and brought together nearly 150 exhibitors. Nearly 10 professional conferences, technology exchange sessions, corporate roadshows and business matchmaking events were held concurrently.

During the three-day exhibition, IME 2026 attracted 5,262 professional visitors from 57 countries and regions. Product demonstrations, technical consultations and business negotiations continued throughout the event. Industry associations, research institutions, industrial parks, manufacturing enterprises and professional buyers from China, Thailand and Southeast Asia engaged in in-depth discussions on advanced manufacturing technologies, industrial upgrading, trade cooperation and project implementation.

As the first independently organized overseas exhibition initiated by the organizers of China International Industry Fair (CIIF), IME 2026 extended China’s industrial resources, brand influence and international cooperation network from China to ASEAN. The exhibition showcased China’s latest intelligent manufacturing innovations, connected Thailand and ASEAN’s industrial needs, and established a new international cooperation platform for Chinese manufacturing enterprises entering Southeast Asian markets.

 

Throughout the exhibition, professional visitors from automotive and components, electronics, new energy, food processing and machinery manufacturing sectors conducted extensive discussions with exhibitors on equipment upgrades, production-line automation, digital transformation and energy-saving solutions.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Thai IoT Association provided professional insights into local technology demands and the exhibition’s platform value from the perspectives of overall manufacturing transformation and automotive industry upgrading.

The Chairman of the Machine and Automation System Industry Club of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI-MASIC) noted that Thailand-China industrial cooperation is continuously deepening, expanding from product and equipment trade toward technology collaboration, local production and joint supply-chain development.

Thailand’s manufacturing sector requires advanced automation, robotics and digital technologies, while also seeking long-term partnerships with Chinese enterprises through joint ventures, localized production, component procurement, talent development and technology transfer. IME 2026 provided a practical platform for both sides to understand market needs, identify partners and accelerate project implementation.

The Thai IoT Association highly recognized the value of IME 2026 as a platform. The association stated that the exhibition created important opportunities for the exchange of IoT technologies and smart solutions, showcased cutting-edge technologies and further facilitated technology supply-demand matching, supporting Thailand’s transition toward smart factories and smart cities.

 

Addressing manufacturing upgrade needs in Thailand and Southeast Asia, IME 2026 gathered representative enterprises including Bodor, Inovance, HSG Laser, Han’s Laser, MOONS’, JWIPC, DEGSON,  Gkoncy, Saipwell, BlueSky and ATLANTA, showcasing solutions in laser processing, industrial control, robotics, precision transmission and intelligent production.

Meanwhile, specialized enterprises including Huaxiang Hiconics, JINGLIAN, PRECITEC, and CENAVA showcased vacuum heat treatment and brazing equipment, automotive sensors and engine components, real-time laser welding quality monitoring systems, and industrial rugged smart terminals respectively.

Among them, PRECITEC presented its LWM 8.5 real-time laser welding quality monitoring sensor, which enables real-time monitoring of the welding process, defect identification, and quality data recording. CENAVA introduced its industrial rugged tablet featuring explosion-proof performance, IP68 protection, and wide-temperature operating capability, meeting the requirements of complex industrial applications such as automotive diagnostics, petrochemicals, energy, and warehousing logistics.

In addition, renowned Chinese enterprises including ODOT Automation, Wellauto, SENPUM, ADH, and Jiatai Laser. brought a range of products and solutions, including the DU03 series PLC controllers, integrated touchscreen HMI and industrial HMI solutions, comprehensive sensor and measurement instrument portfolios, electro-hydraulic bending machines, and the Fengshen series fiber laser cutting machines.

Covering key application fields such as industrial automation control at the foundational level, edge computing, and metal sheet and tube processing, these exhibits further enriched IME 2026’s showcase of advanced equipment manufacturing, intelligent manufacturing system integration, and laser processing technologies.

From core components, industrial control systems, and specialized equipment to production process monitoring, intelligent terminals, and integrated system solutions, IME 2026 provided a comprehensive demonstration of the multi-level technological capabilities of China’s intelligent manufacturing sector. The exhibition also highlighted the continuous transformation of Chinese enterprises from exporting individual products toward delivering integrated technology, systems, and service capabilities.

Feedback from exhibitors further reflected the practical demands of the Thai and Southeast Asian markets, as well as the opportunities available for Chinese manufacturing enterprises to expand technological cooperation and establish localized service networks in the region.

Sasa Ren, Country Manager Thailand of Inovance, stated: “Inovance has successfully concluded its participation in IME 2026 Southeast Asia Smart Manufacturing Exhibition. During the exhibition, we engaged in in-depth discussions with numerous customers across industries including sugar manufacturing, food and beverage, consumer electronics, and heavy industry in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Multiple automation solutions and core intelligent equipment tailored to local operating conditions attracted significant attention.”

Through this exhibition, Inovance gained deeper insights into the upgrading needs of local manufacturing enterprises, strengthened regional brand recognition, and connected with a broad network of customers and partners. These efforts have laid a solid foundation for future localized solution implementation and business cooperation, while continuing to support the intelligent and green transformation of Southeast Asian manufacturing.

As a representative in the field of environmental sustainability, IME 2026 provided Chinese water treatment enterprises with a professional platform to understand Thailand’s market requirements and connect with local partners. A representative from the CIAPST-WAPPC “Water for Thai” Water Governance Zone commented: “Through showcasing solutions such as drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, and defluorination membrane technologies, we gained a deeper understanding of the cooperation potential between Thailand and China in green development and water environment management. We look forward to promoting the implementation of more technologies that meet local needs.”

Meanwhile, the exhibition’s professional buyer network further expanded across the Asia-Pacific region. Exhibitors noted that, in addition to local Thai buyers, professional visitors from countries and regions including Malaysia and Australia also attended the exhibition for discussions and business exchanges, demonstrating the broad regional demand for advanced equipment and technology solutions.

Focusing on the wave of intelligent manufacturing upgrades in Southeast Asia, Han’s Laser demonstrated its advanced manufacturing capabilities through high-power laser processing equipment. Its G3015-O 6KW fiber laser cutting machine combines high-efficiency cutting performance, stable operation, and energy-saving advantages, precisely addressing diverse requirements in local metal processing, engineering machinery, and sheet metal fabrication industries.

A representative of the company stated: “During this exhibition, Han’s Laser Smart Equipment Group presented its flagship G3015-O 6KW fiber laser cutting machine at Booth 6A002. From the first day of the exhibition, the product attracted significant attention from manufacturing professionals across Southeast Asia, with enthusiastic on-site discussions. Leveraging the exhibition platform, Han’s Laser further engaged with the Southeast Asian market, delivered localized laser processing solutions, supported regional intelligent manufacturing transformation, and continued to build a bridge for manufacturing technology exchange and industrial cooperation between China and Thailand.”

For BlueSky, making its overseas exhibition debut, IME 2026 served not only as an important platform to showcase the company's strengths, but also as a new starting point for its international expansion. A company representative commented: "We are truly honored to participate in our first overseas exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand. From booth setup to the official opening, the entire event was exceptionally well organized and professionally managed. We sincerely appreciate the organizer's thoughtful and meticulous support, which eliminated many of the concerns associated with exhibiting abroad for the first time. This experience has further strengthened our confidence in expanding into international markets, and we look forward to returning to IME next year."

 

III. Connecting Buyer Networks and Expanding Cooperation Opportunities

To facilitate efficient connections between exhibitors and Thailand’s local industrial resources, IME 2026 organized 47 professional buyer groups to visit the exhibition, covering key sectors including automotive and components, electronics and electrical appliances, food processing, new energy, machinery manufacturing, and industrial equipment.

Focusing on practical needs such as equipment procurement, production line upgrades, automation transformation, and technical services, these visiting groups engaged in in-depth discussions with exhibitors, further strengthening connections between supply and demand sides and creating new opportunities for business cooperation.

The factory representative from Thai Foods Group Public Company spoke highly of the exhibition experience:

“As a professional in the food manufacturing industry, visiting IME 2026 was a highly valuable experience. The exhibition brought together advanced technologies in automation, robotics, and intelligent manufacturing, allowing us to compare different solutions, engage directly with technology suppliers, and gain practical insights into improving production efficiency, product quality, and factory operation management. We look forward to applying these valuable experiences to our future production operations.”

Building upon the professional buyer group visits, the 2026 China-Thailand Technology and Equipment Exchange & Matchmaking Conference held concurrently with the exhibition attracted 90 professional buyers and 15 exhibitors.

During the event, supply and demand parties conducted face-to-face discussions focusing on equipment procurement, production line upgrades, automation control, distribution partnerships, and localized technical services. These exchanges helped transform on-site interactions into further solution discussions and potential business cooperation.

For technology service providers, the matchmaking conference served as an important platform to showcase solutions and gain direct insight into market demands.

Mr. Witoon, representative of W.J. Technology, noted that the event brought together numerous manufacturing enterprises with clear upgrading requirements, creating practical opportunities for smart factory solution demonstrations, technical exchanges, and potential project cooperation. The event also strengthened the company’s confidence in the market potential of Thailand’s manufacturing digitalization and intelligent transformation.

For companies seeking procurement solutions, precise matchmaking effectively reduced the time required to identify suitable partners. Rinland Environment Tech (Beijing) Corporation Ltd. stated that through concentrated discussions with relevant technology and equipment suppliers, the company was able to efficiently compare different products and service solutions, further improving the effectiveness of technical communication and partner selection.

 

 

In addition to the matchmaking conference, nearly 10 professional activities were held concurrently during IME 2026, with five sessions organized or supported by Thailand-based industry associations and professional organizations.

Organizations including Thai-German Institute (TGI), Thai IoT Association (Thai IoT), National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), Sustainable Manufacturing Center (SMC), and Thai Automation and Robotics Association (TARA) conducted exchanges on key topics including Industry 5.0 and sustainable development, AI-driven smart factories, advanced aluminum manufacturing, intelligent transformation of Thailand’s manufacturing sector, robotics applications, and flexible production for high-mix low-volume manufacturing.

Through these activities, participating organizations shared insights into Thailand’s industrial trends, technology demands, and practical application experiences.

Through professional buyer group visits, supply-demand matchmaking activities, and industry events organized by Thai associations and professional institutions, IME 2026 further connected professional buyers, manufacturing enterprises, industry organizations, and channel partners.

The exhibition created more opportunities for exhibitors to understand Thailand’s market requirements, expand local cooperation networks, and accelerate the implementation of future projects.

 

Expanding New Channels for Chinese Intelligent Manufacturing to Go Global

With Thailand as its strategic hub and ASEAN as its broader market focus, IME 2026 established a professional platform connecting regional markets, business partners, and application scenarios through technology demonstrations, buyer matchmaking, and collaboration with local industrial resources. The exhibition supported Chinese enterprises in transitioning from product exports toward technology cooperation, channel development, and localized service deployment, helping accelerate the high-quality global expansion of Chinese intelligent manufacturing.

Looking ahead, IME will continue to enhance its professional visitor organization, business matchmaking capabilities, and industrial service functions, supporting enterprises in deepening their presence in the Thai market and expanding cooperation networks across ASEAN.

 

The next edition of IME will be held from June 30 to July 2, 2027, in Bangkok, Thailand. We look forward to meeting again with industry partners and jointly creating new pathways for Chinese intelligent manufacturing to expand into global markets.