The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is starting to see more Chinese investment into the ASEAN countries and we hope to see more, said Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday.

 

"ASEAN has helped China integrate its economy and become an economic powerhouse," said Arroyo who holds the rotating presidency of the ASEAN at a press conference after the China-ASEAN summit.

 

Chinese official statistics showed that the investment by ASEAN countries to China hit US$3.1 billion last year while China's investment into ASEAN countries stood at US$158 million.

 

Arroyo said ASEAN leaders will continue to deepen the ties with China in establishing the ASEAN-China free trade area, believing it will help economies of ASEAN countries grow.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2006)