Vice premier calls for deeper China-ASEAN cooperation

Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli has proposed that China and the Association of Southeastern Asian Nations (ASEAN) deepen cooperation in industrial capacity and trade.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli addresses the opening ceremony of the 14th China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. [Photo: people.cn]

Zhang made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 14th China-ASEAN Expo, titled "Co-Building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Promoting Regional Economic Integration through Tourism."

"China's equipment is cost efficient, and China has advantages in technology, training and financing, enabling China and ASEAN countries to nurture new comparative advantages and create new room for economic growth," Zhang said. "China is willing to join hands with ASEAN to carry out industrial cooperation in the fields of clean energy, modern communication, cement, electric power and steel."

China hopes to sign more agreements with ASEAN countries in currency swaps, as well as in investment, expanding the use of yuan settlement, and guiding capital from both sides into Belt and Road projects.

Zhang also called for full implementation of a protocol signed in 2015 on upgrading the China-ASEAN Free Trade.

"China is willing to expand imports from ASEAN countries. We welcome them to attend the first China International Import Expo to be held in 2018," Zhang said.

He also expressed hope for infrastructure projects, including railways, roads and ports to better connect China and ASEAN.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, and next year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership.

Both sides should make use of the time to push forward the formulation of a 2030 blueprint on the China-ASEAN strategic partnership, Zhang said.