Expo to promote regional dialogue and trade

The 13th China-ASEAN Expo, to be held in Nanning, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, in September will further develop regional economic dialogue and trade, according to the event's organizers.

This year's event, under the theme of "Jointly Building the 21st Maritime Silk Road: Matching, Dialogue and Mutual Benefits", marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the formal establishment of the ASEAN Community and the start of operations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

Leaders from China and ASEAN countries said they will make more concerted efforts to share common understanding, intensify dialogue and develop the free trade area.

The Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the annual CAEXPO, will be expanded, with the total exhibition area reaching 100,000 square meters upon completion of the center's renovations.

Last year, CAEXPO added a number of events for trade professionals and themed shows for ASEAN member countries, such as cultural, agricultural, tourism, Thailand-focused and Indonesia-centered shows.

These activities provided a platform for exchanges between enterprises across different industries in China and in ASEAN member countries.

Leaders hope this year's platform of themed events expands the expo's global influence, said the secretariat.

Since 2014, the CAEXPO has selected a country from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to promote cooperation with economies outside China and ASEAN.

RCEP is a free trade agreement to establish a unified market of 16 countries through the reduction of tariffs and nontariff barriers. It was initiated by the ASEAN countries and has invited the participation of China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India.

panzhongming@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 02/02/2016 page15)