An association called the “ASEAN – China Economy and Trade Promotion Association” was launched on January 18 in Thailand ’s Bangkok capital to strengthen economic cooperation between the Chinese business community and ASEAN countries.

The association, was set up on the occasion of the first anniversary of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (January 1, 2010 – January 1, 2011), the third largest free trade area in the world after the European Union and North America with support from Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce.

Addressing the launching ceremony, President of the ASEAN-China Economy & Trade Promotion Association Yang Fang-Shu said the association aims to promote economic and trade cooperation between ASEAN countries and China , create opportunities for enterprises from both sides to invest in each other.

On the same day, an ASEAN-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was held to boost bilateral trade ties./.