The 7th China-ASEAN Expo has opened in Nanning in south China. It's the first time the forum will have been held since the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, which opened at the beginning of this year.

 

Chinese top political advisor Jia Qinglin officially declared the opening of the 7th China Asean Expo.

The opening ceremony of the expo is attended by many state leaders and government officials, showing their commitment to the strategic partnership between China and Asean countries. Vice Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng says the previous 6 expos allowed people and businesses in the region, to enjoy convenient trade and investment. He holds high expectations for the new session.

Gao Hucheng, Vice Minister of Ministry of Commerce, said, "This year's expo will fully demonstrate the achievements of the China-Asean Free Trade Zone, with greater substance and a stronger focus. It will bring more concrete benefits to companies and people. Let us make full use of the China-Asean FTA and work together in a larger scope on a higher level. We should make more contributions to the region's development and prosperity."

Indonesia is this year's country of honor. The country's Vice President said China and Asean have strong economic ties and have many shared interests. In his words, jointly riding through many storms including the recent financial crisis,helped strengthen ties between China and Asean countries.

The expo will last from Tuesday to Sunday. The trade fair, seen as the propeller for China-Asean cooperation, will have profound influence within the China-Asean Free Trade Zone. It aims to provide a platform for China-Asean friendly exchanges, business promotion and cooperation in various fields.