Trade and investment relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have grown significantly, said Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce Gao Yan on July 29.
Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce Gao Yan (Photo://gaoyan2.mofcom.gov.cn)
Trade and investment relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have grown significantly, said Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce Gao Yan on July 29.
Speaking at the press briefing on the 12th China-ASEAN Expo, which will be held in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from September 18-21, the deputy minister revealed that two-way trade increased 1.6♔ percent year on year to reach 224 billion USD in the first six months of 2015, accounting for 12 percent of China's total foreign trade revenues.
Trade turnovers between China and the ASEAN reached 480 billion USD last year, up 8.23 percent from 2013, he added.
Since 2009, China has been the largest trade partner of the bloc, while ASEAN has been China's third largest trade partner since 2010.
Gao stressed progress has been made in negotiations on upgrading the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) since August, and the deal is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Launched in 2010, the CAFTA has become the world's largest free trade area among developing countries which has a combined population of 1.9 billion.
In 2013, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang proposed upgrading the CAFTA, with the aim of expanding bilateral trade value to 1 trillion USD by 2020.
Referring to the planned Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Gao said the RCEP has seen remarkable progress in discussing issues related to goods and services, investment and intellectual property.
The RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement among🌞 16 nations, including 10 ASEAN country members, and six partners , namely India, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand, which account for 25 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Prod𒊎uct (GDP).-VNA
The ASEAN-China Transport Ministers’ Special Meeting on Connectivity was held on September 2 in Nanning, China, on the sidelines of the 10th China-ASEAN Expo, according to a joint statement.
A number of Chinese experts, scholars and business representatives gathered at a forum in Shenzhen city, Guangdong province on November 23 to seek ways to further penetrate the ASEAN market and discuss issues related to the building of free trade areas.
The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), which has turned into the 11th year this year, constitutes the fruits of the two sides’ strategic partnership, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.
The formation of the ASEAN Community will be a significant driver of the economic integration process in Asia, Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said on March 28.
Commercial councillors from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and representatives of China’s textile and garment sector held a dialogue in Beijing on April 21 to bolster bilateral cooperation in this field.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce Gao Yan (Photo://gaoyan2.mofcom.gov.cn)
