The Vietnamese Prime Minister’s participation in the ASEAN-China Expo
(CAEXPO) in China is seen as proof that the Party and State of Vietnam
attach importance to developing the friendship and comprehensive
cooperation partnership with China as well as the ASEAN-China strategic
partnership.
CAEXPO is held annually by China’s
Ministry of Commerce, the economic ministries of the 10 ASEAN countries
and ASEAN Secretariat. After nine expos, the event has become an
influential means of promoting trade and multi-sector partnerships
between Beijing and the bloc.
As many as
110 Vietnamese businesses showcased their products and services at the
10th CAEXPO, more than any other nation. Along with the 10th
ASEAN-China Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) summit, which ran
parallel to the expo, the event strongly helped Vietnamese businesses to
promote their unique products and seek investment.
Addressing the opening ceremony for the two events on September 3,
Prime Minister Dung highlighted Vietnam’s support for the
cooperation between ASEAN and China, while expressing his belief
that the framework will help promote bilateral ties between Vietnam
and China.
The Vietnamese government also encourages Chinese and regional enterprises to invest in the country, he pledged.
At the same time, Vietnam supports the consideration of upgrading
the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to benefit all parties, he
added.
During his expo visit, the PM held
talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, met with Cambodian leader Hun Sen
and received Chairman of Guangxi’s Zhuang Autonomous Region Chen Wu and
Yunnan provincial Governor Li Jiheng.
During his talks with Premier Li, the two leaders discussed their plans to foster bilateral ties in the time to come.
Regarding sea-related issues, a consensus was reached that both
nations must work together to maintain peace and stability in the East
Sea by resolving any disputes through peaceful negotiations.
As for the wider relations between the
neighbours, PM Dung reiterated the Vietnamese Party and State’s
consistent policy of consolidating and strengthening friendly and
comprehensive cooperation with China .
The
Chinese leader stressed that his country’s Party, State and people are
serious about their relationship with Vietnam and are willing to
deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the
two countries.
Dung’s visit showed
Vietnam’s active role in activities celebrating the 10th anniversary of
the ASEAN-China strategic partnership and the nation’s support for
CAEXPO, which will significantly aid Vietnamese businesses seeking and
expanding business opportunities in China.-VNA