The eighth China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) opened in China ’s southern city of Nanning on Oct. 21.

Under the theme, “Deepening regional cooperation for common prosperity”, the summit discussed and sought ways to boost regional growth and cooperation amid concerns over faltering global economic recovery.

Opening the event, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said that since China and ASEAN conducted negotiations 20 years ago, relations have enjoyed progress in many areas.

Thanks to the dynamic and effective cooperation, China has become ASEAN’s largest trade partner and ASEAN is China ’s third largest trade partner, with two-way trade increasing 20 percent on average annually over the past two decades, Wen said.

China and ASEAN should deepen regional cooperation with a more pragmatic and open attitude and promote sustained, steady and healthy economic development in China and ASEAN countries, the Premier noted.

Earlier in the day, the eighth China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO-2011) kicked off in the city with the participation of 3,000 enterprises from ASEAN countries, China and other countries and territories. The expo is scheduled to last until Oct. 26./.