Southwest China has experienced fast economic growth after nearly two decades of concerted efforts. Now, governors from provinces and cities in the region are meeting in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuan Autonomous Region, to discuss ways to further step up their cooperation and "opening up" to the outside world.

The economic coordination conference has grouped governors and mayors from Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Tibet, Chengdu and Chongqing. The conference originated in 1984, becoming the country's first economic cooperation organization after China began "opening up" to the outside world some 20 years ago.

Two decades of multi－level cooperation have accelerated the region's development in various areas －－ including infrastructure construction, environmental protection and tourism.

Topics on the agenda at the conference include establishing an economic zone along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, the protection of the ecological environment and the development of tourist resources. Also under discussion was the construction of roads and communication networks.

The conference participants are also expected to draw up new rules to cement cooperation and expand ties with neighbouring countries and regions.