Group 1: Event Overview - The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) was held in Nanning, Guangxi, attracting numerous entrepreneurs from ASEAN countries seeking new business opportunities and partnerships [4] - The event serves as a significant platform for trade and cooperation between China and ASEAN nations, facilitating the expansion of economic ties [4] Group 2: Malaysian Durian Industry - The "Durian Brother" brand from Malaysia showcased a durian-flavored ice cream that became a highlight at the expo, with increased booth size and customer interest compared to the previous year [4] - Malaysia is the largest supplier of durians to China, with an expected import volume of approximately 1.56 million tons valued at $6.99 billion in 2024 [5] - The establishment of a cold chain shipping route between Malaysia and China's Guangxi region has significantly improved logistics, allowing for rapid delivery of durians to China within three days [5] Group 3: Lao PDR's Trade and Cooperation - Lao companies, such as SK Agarwood Biotechnology, participated in the expo, showcasing products made from local resources, including agarwood-based soaps and essential oils [6][7] - The opening of the China-Laos Railway has enhanced logistics, enabling faster transportation of goods and reducing costs, thus benefiting local businesses [7] - The expo serves as a vital channel for Lao products to enter the Chinese market, capitalizing on China's vast consumer potential [6] Group 4: Artificial Intelligence Collaboration - The expo featured an AI and cultural tourism innovation competition, highlighting the growing interest in AI collaboration between China and ASEAN countries [8] - Companies like Huixi International from Laos are leveraging the expo to expand their network and explore AI applications in various sectors, including agriculture [9][10] - Collaborative projects are being established, such as AI laboratories involving universities from Laos and China, aimed at enhancing technological exchange and talent development [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the challenges consumers face in distinguishing genuine agarwood products from counterfeit ones in the market, exacerbated by misleading marketing tactics and similar appearances of products [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The agarwood market is characterized by a variety of promotional phrases focusing on "oil content," leading to consumer confusion and potential overpricing of inferior products [3][21]. - In the "Agarwood Night Market," prices for cultivated agarwood bracelets vary significantly, with ordinary types priced at tens of yuan per gram, while those that can sink in water can reach up to three hundred yuan per gram, showing a price difference of nearly thirty times [5][7]. - The price of wild agarwood, which is under strict national protection, ranges from thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan per gram, indicating its scarcity and high value [11]. Group 2: Quality and Processing - The quality of agarwood is primarily determined by oil content, with higher oil levels leading to better density, weight, and fragrance, making "sinking grade" the recognized quality standard [14]. - The processing methods significantly affect the price, with larger sizes and specific shapes commanding higher prices due to material usage [16]. - Some merchants enhance the appearance of low-quality agarwood by adding essential oils during polishing, which misrepresents the product's true quality [19][22]. Group 3: Counterfeit Products - A term referred to as "technology goods" is used by merchants to describe advanced counterfeiting techniques that make it difficult for consumers to detect fakes [21]. - Merchants often use methods such as oil infusion and pressure treatment to artificially enhance the appearance of low-quality agarwood, allowing them to sell these products at inflated prices [22][36]. - The market has seen a rise in the sale of artificially treated agarwood products, which are often disguised as high-quality items, leading to consumer deception [39]. Group 4: Regulatory Challenges - Despite the presence of detection standards, the effectiveness of these regulations is questioned, as many counterfeit products still receive certification based on superficial criteria [41][45]. - The testing centers often fail to identify artificially treated agarwood, as they only assess basic characteristics, allowing substandard products to pass as genuine [47][51]. - The inconsistency in testing results across different institutions further complicates the ability of consumers to ascertain the true quality of agarwood products [53].