The 11th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit opened at the Naning International Convention and Exhibition Center of Guangxi on September 16. Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli was present and made a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Vice Minister of Commerce Fang Aiqing made a speech on behalf of the co-sponsors of the China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.

Fang said that the common interests of China and ASEAN have integrated and the friendly cooperation enjoyed a steady development. The China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit create conditions for bilateral communication and cooperation, bring about benefits and boost the friendship. China has been the largest trade partner of ASEAN for four consecutive years, and ASEAN has been the third largest trade partner of China for three consecutive years. We will continue to give play the unique role of the China-ASEAN Expo, join hands to construct the 21st century Maritime Silk Road and forge an upgraded China-ASEAN FTA jointly.

Almost one thousand people including leaders of ASEAN countries, ministers of China and ASEAN countries, a deputy secretary general of ASEAN, a deputy director general of the WTO, representatives of the International Trade Center, diplomatic envoys of China and ASEAN countries, the leader of the governmental delegation of Australia, and celebrities of business and commercial circles and other circles attended the opening ceremony.