PM Nguyen Tan Dung made the statement in his speech delivered at the opening of the 2013 ASEAN-China Expo (CAEXPO 2013) and the 10th ASEAN-China Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) in Nanning city, China’s Guangxi province on September 3.

The Government of Viet Nam always encourages and creates favorable conditions for Chinese and ASEAN businesses to trade and invest in Viet Nam while supporting the undertaking of research works and exchanges to upgrade the free-trade cooperation between ASEAN and China to meet with all sides’ interests, said PM Dung.

He also said that together with all-round development cooperation for common interest, disputes and differences in the region are a reality that should be managed in a responsible and effective manner to build mutual trust and political determination.

All sides need to negotiate to solve these disputes and differences by peaceful measures basing on international law and seek appropriate solutions that are mutually agreed, PM Dung said.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stressed the events’ significance of marking 10 years of ASEAN-China strategic partnership and lifting the bilateral trade to US$500 billion prior to 2015.

He affirmed that promoting cooperation with ASEAN neighboring countries is a priority in China’s foreign policy.

China always supports a strong, prosperous and developed ASEAN for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

China welcomes, encourages and creates favorable conditions for  businesses from ASEAN countries to cooperate with and invest in China for mutual benefits, the Premier noted.

ASEAN – China bilateral trade has sharply risen at an annual average growth rate of 22%. China is now ASEAN’s largest trade partner while ASEAN is China’s third largest partner.

The CAEXPO 2013 and CABIS will close on September 6./.

By Ngoc Van