Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh on September 17 stressed three cooperation proposals on trade, strategic connectivity, and science–technology between China and ASEAN.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) in Nanning, Guangxi, China, Deputy PM Chinh said the events take place as ASEAN and China are expected to officially sign the upgraded Protocol of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) version 3.0 later this year.

He expressed confidence the expo and summit would be a success, giving further impetus to trade cooperation and growth between China and ASEAN countries.

Political ties underpin trade growth The Deputy PM underlined that over 30 years of strong political relations have enabled ASEAN-China trade to grow steadily. China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner since 2009, while ASEAN became China’s largest partner in 2020.

Previous CAEXPO and CABIS events have played an important role in these results, becoming a symbol of economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Vietnam is currently China’s fourth-largest trading partner, with rising Chinese FDI, especially in new projects, and strengthened strategic connectivity, particularly in transport infrastructure such as railways.

Three proposals for deeper cooperation Deputy PM Chinh put forward included:

Firstly, continuing opening markets and further facilitating trade. ASEAN and China should actively accelerate procedures for signing and ratifying the upgraded ACFTA 3.0 within this year, and align domestic laws with its new provisions. This would allow businesses to maximize benefits, increase bilateral trade, attract more investment, and foster shared prosperity.

Secondly, strengthening strategic connectivity to promote intra-regional trade. ASEAN and China should intensify transport infrastructure links, particularly rail and road, and expand these connections to other regions via ASEAN and China, bringing ASEAN goods to Central Asia and Europe. Vietnam is accelerating construction of rail and road links with China, Laos, and Cambodia, contributing to a multimodal transport network that better connects ASEAN with China and the Eurasian continent.

Thirdly, making science-technology cooperation a new highlight. Both sides should expand investment in frontier fields such as the digital economy, green economy, science–technology, and innovation; develop high-quality human resources; strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence; and seize opportunities from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Deputy PM noted that Vietnam has proudly participated in 21 previous CAEXPO and CABIS editions. At this year’s event, Vietnam continues to send a strong presence with nearly 200 booths showcasing high-quality products in sectors where Vietnam holds strengths and complementarities with Chinese and ASEAN markets, including agricultural produce, processed food, consumer goods, furniture, and handicrafts.

Vietnam, he emphasized, stands ready to work closely with ASEAN, China, and other partners on the principles of “harmonized interests, shared risks” and “win-win cooperation,” contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.

The 22nd CAEXPO runs from September 17-21, attracting more than 3,200 businesses from 60 countries, with a total exhibition area of over 160,000 m². One-third of the space is dedicated to international pavilions, showcasing new results of ASEAN-China cooperation. This year’s theme is: “Digital intelligence drives development - Innovation leads the future - Leveraging ACFTA 3.0 to build a community with a shared future.”