ASEAN Secretary-General Gao Jinhong: ASEAN and China can deepen economic partnership in three areas

China News Service, Nanning, September 17 (Zhang Guangquan) The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (hereinafter referred to as the “ASEAN Expo”) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit opened in Nanning, Guangxi on the 17th. ASEAN Secretary-General Gao Jinhong attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech, emphasizing that ASEAN and China can further deepen their economic partnership in three areas.

Gao Jinhong pointed out that ASEAN and China should make full use of the new areas of cooperation in version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to cultivate new growth momentum in digitalization, artificial intelligence, green industries and renewable energy. At the same time, coordination between China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) should be strengthened to provide greater convenience for corporate trade and investment, and the business community should be encouraged to provide suggestions for the comprehensive review of RCEP in 2027. In addition, it should also be ensured that all enterprises, especially small, medium and micro enterprises, can see tangible benefits from the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, helping them improve their capabilities, knowledge and digital skills, and participate more effectively in the regional supply chain.

Gao Jinhong said that currently, ASEAN and China are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership, and the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol has entered the implementation stage, which has opened up a new path for both sides to deepen integration, innovation and common prosperity.