Guangdong strengthens links with ASEAN

Guangdong province is accelerating its development of a modern industrial system underpinned by advanced manufacturing to serve as a base, platform, corridor and hub to facilitate domestic and international dual economic circulation.

"We are confident that Chinese and foreign sides will achieve mutual success and win-win results through two-way economic and trade cooperation," said Meng Fanli, governor of Guangdong.

Meng made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 ASEAN-China (Guangdong) Trade Promotion and Supply Chain Cooperation Mechanism Exchange Conference in Guangzhou on Thursday.

"Guangdong and ASEAN countries are linked by shared waters and face each other across the sea," he noted.

Leveraging its unique geographical advantages, Guangdong has fostered extensive and robust cooperation with ASEAN members in trade, investment, tourism, culture and other fields, he said. ASEAN has been Guangdong's largest trading partner for six consecutive years.

As a key pioneer and test bed for China's reform and opening-up process, Guangdong ranks first nationally in economic aggregate, permanent population and number of enterprises and market entities, generating large market dividends. It also serves as an ideal link for the flow of people, goods and capital in the realm of dual circulation, he said.

Zhang Lizhong, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre, said China and ASEAN are good neighbors, good friends and good partners with a shared future.

"In the 35 years since the establishment of dialogue, both sides have forged one of the most dynamic and fruitful models of cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large," Zhang said.

Going forward, the ASEAN-China Centre will continue to deepen all-around cooperation with Guangdong, give full play to Guangdong's strengths in manufacturing, scientific and technological innovation and make fresh contributions to the growth of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, he added.

During the event, officials, entrepreneurs and representatives of chambers of commerce and industry associations from ASEAN countries expected to further deepen exchanges and cooperation across various sectors and achieve win-win outcomes.

About 1,000 government officials, business executives, academics and industry representatives will attend the two-day event, which was inaugurated in Guangzhou last year. It features thematic dialogues, keynote speeches, seminars and discussions.