Chinese Vice President Han Zheng outlined a roadmap to deepen China-ASEAN collaboration during his keynote address at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Wednesday. The proposals aim to strengthen economic integration and cultural bonds across Asia's fastest-growing regional partnership.
Four Pillars for Shared Prosperity
Han emphasized aligning development strategies through China's Belt and Road Initiative and global development programs, while advocating for accelerated trade liberalization via upgrades to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. His plan prioritizes:
Expanding industrial chain cooperation in green energy and digital economies
Enhancing implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Boosting cross-border tourism and educational exchanges
The vice president highlighted China's commitment to high-level opening-up, pledging to share market opportunities with ASEAN members. Over 40,000 enterprises from 40 countries and regions are participating in this year's expo, which serves as a key platform for regional business matchmaking.
Analysts note the proposals come as ASEAN-China trade reached $722 billion in 2023, with two-way investment exceeding $380 billion. The expo's focus on supply chain resilience and emerging industries reflects evolving economic priorities in the post-pandemic era.
