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