Several aspects need to be enhanced, strengthened, promoted and supported to increase trade ties between China and ASEAN, said National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD) Secretary General Haji Halim bin Haji Saim at the Joint Meeting of China-Asean Leaders of Commerce and Industry in Nanning, China on Sunday.
Haji Halim said these include enhancing policies and regulations that facilitate trade and investment as these joint efforts, for example, to simplify customs procedures (without jeopardising national security), thus reducing the trade barriers, and to share experience in the implementation of the policies of ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0.
Others include exploring opportunities for digital cooperation, trade facilitation, e-commerce and skills development, sharing experiences in digital startups and digital transformation, thus enhancing digital connectivity.
Other areas also include improving or strengthening the infrastructure connectivity, such as logistics, digital, and transportation networks, as these will assist in facilitating the flow or movement of goods and services between Guangxi and ASEAN.
Haji Halim called on the need to share best practices in infrastructure development, joint infrastructure projects and technical cooperation to further strengthen economic relationships.
“We shall foster synergies in our strategies, mechanisms and plans, promote institution innovation and explore new paths for deep integration, supply and innovation chains,” he said.
The NCCIBD secretary general also encouraged more people-to-people exchanges, cultural exchanges, and frequent meetings among chambers of commerce and industry to explore cooperation, thematic negotiations, tourism and educational cooperation between Guangxi and ASEAN, as these will further encourage mutual understanding and improve bilateral relationships.
“We trust Guangxi can further establish a comprehensive dialogue and cooperation mechanism with ASEAN, thus leading to closer achievements in bilateral economic cooperation and trade exchanges,” he said.
The 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) is an international event aimed at promoting the ACFTA.
The CAEXPO, a B2B and B2C event, held from September 16 to today at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre (NICEC), is where businesses and consumers can find different products from food and beverages, agro-based products, commodities for international trade, consumer goods and services. – Azlan Othman
