In line with the important achievements made by ASEAN and China over the years, especially the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable development, both sides
have continued to be each other’s largest trade partner. This can be seen as two-way trade rose to more than US$669 billion in 2021.
The northern neighbour is also the biggest investor in several ASEAN countries, whilst bilateral ties in disease control, poverty reduction, culture, and people-to-people exchanges have also been strengthened, thereby benefiting people of both sides, according to the Deputy PM.
Deputy PM Minh went on to underline that amid the complicated and unexpected changes occurring in the regional and global situation, ASEAN countries and China should continue to strengthen co-operation in dealing with challenges and speed up sustainable recovery in the post-pandemic period.
He stressed the necessity of making full use of opportunities from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECEP) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), thereby bolstering bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner.
The Deputy PM suggested that the Chinese Government create favourable conditions to boost the import of goods and high-quality farm produce from the nation, as well as other ASEAN member states via the Vietnamese market.
He requested Chinese co-ordination in maintaining stable supply and production chains, as well as smooth customs clearance activities in all circumstances. This will contribute to diversify goods transportation methods by road, rail, sea, and air, promoting partnerships in the fields of innovation, digital transformation, digital economy, and e-commerce, as well as strengthening collaboration in the fields of green and sustainable development.
CAEXPO is one of the 10 leading trade fairs of China, which has been held annually since 2004.
This year the country continued to participate in the event at the largest scale with a display area of over 2,000sq.m, along with the online exhibition of 80 enterprises. This event is being used to introduce strong Vietnamese products such as agricultural and aquatic products, processed food, wooden furniture and handicrafts, consumer goods, as well as investment, tourism, and trade services.
ASEAN seeks to boost intra-bloc trade
Enhancing intra-ASEAN trade and investment towards a cohesive and responsive ASEAN is one of the shared topics by many regional officials, researchers and policymakers.