VietNamNet Bridge – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung yesterday (Sept 3) attended the 2013 ASEAN-China Expo (CAEXPO 2013) and the 10th ASEAN-China Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), which kicked off in Nanning City in the Zhuang Autonomous Region of China's Guangxi Province.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visits Vietnamese kiosks at the ASEAN-China Expo in Nanning City in the Zhuang Autonomous Region of China's Guangxi Province.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dung noted that China had been the first and the most important external trading partner of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

After the two sides signed their Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Co-operation in 2002, a series of agreements were also inked, including those on trade in goods, trade in services, and on investment, completing all pillars of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), the very first free trade area that ASEAN established with a partner state, he cited.

On this firm foundation, two-way trade between both sides has maintained speedy growth, averaging 22 per cent per year. China had repeatedly been the largest trading partner of the bloc, while the former had been the latter's third biggest trading partner, he said.

China's direct investment in ASEAN member countries was growing, while connectivity among businesses and people of both sides was also increasing, he added.

The Prime Minster made clear his delight that both ASEAN and China had made continuous efforts to build an even better basis for development.

He confirmed that Viet Nam always supports and attaches much importance to the co-operation between ASEAN and China, while expressing his belief that the framework would help promote bilateral ties between Viet Nam and China.

The Vietnamese Government also encourages and creates all possible conditions for Chinese enterprises as well as those from ASEAN to invest in Viet Nam, he claimed.

Viet Nam also favours the consideration of an upgrade to the ACFTA in order to suit the common interests of both parties, he added.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung confirmed that Viet Nam always supports and attaches much importance to the co-operation between ASEAN and China, while expressing his belief that the framework would help promote bilateral ties between Viet Nam and China.

The PM said together with multifaceted co-operation, all disputes in the region needed settling in a responsible and effective manner. Together, all parties should build mutual trust and political will and consult each other to take peaceful measures for the settlement on the basis of international law, while seeking suitable solutions that are accepted by all sides.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang underscored the significance of the events, which mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership and fuel the two-way trade target of US$500 billion before 2015.

He said the fruitful outcomes of the co-operation between China and ASEAN over the past time, which he described as beneficial for everyone involved, are of practical significance for the common development of both sides.

The Chinese Premier said strengthening co-operation with neighbouring nations in the bloc is a priority in the country's external policy.

China always backed an ASEAN of strong development for peace, stability and prosperity in the region, he affirmed, adding that his country welcomed, encouraged and created favourable conditions for businesses from ASEAN to invest in China.

The annual CAEXPO, jointly held by China's Ministry of Trade, the 10 ASEAN member countries and the ASEAN Secretariat, is considered one of the top ten Chinese exhibitions and has become an important mechanism to promote friendship and trade ties among ASEAN member states and China.

As many as 110 Vietnamese enterprises showcased their products at 200 out of the 4,600 pavilions at the expo this year, more than any other participating country.

The expo is divided into five themed areas, with the highlight being the "Beautiful City" field featuring each nation's major cities, including Quy Nhon City in Viet Nam's central Binh Dinh Province.

The CABIS, initiated in 2004, is an important annual high-level forum between ASEAN and China, aiming to grow their strategic partnership and hastening the establishment of an ASEAN-China free trade area.

Dung was back in Ha Noi later that day, concluding his trip to China.

Source: VNS