Guangxi auto expo looks to strengthen Southeast Asia ties

LIUZHOU - The first China-ASEAN Automotive Expo, held in this industrial hub in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region from Dec 8 to 10, provided a springboard for more Chinese automakers to enter the Southeast Asian market, according to organizers.

Guangxi has become a center for regional cooperation since a free trade agreement between China and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) took effect in January 2010.

Liuzhou, known for its strength in auto and machinery production, is a regional home to four of China's key automakers - SAIC, FAW, Dongfeng and Sinotruck.