An exhibition hall specifically for displays from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries will open at the 2003 China Kunming Import and Export Fair, which is set to be held at the end of August.
The hall's opening shows the Kunming fair, which has been held annually since 1993, is putting greater emphasis on economic relations with Southeast Asia. Kunming is the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan Province.
Sun Xiaohong, director of the Yunnan Provincial Foreign Trade and Cooperation Commission, said the event is becoming a bridge to link economic and trade relations between China and ASEAN countries.
According to provincial government statistics, business deals valued at US$15 billion have been signed at fairs over the past 10 years.
Most of the deals were between Chinese businesses and those in other Asian countries.
The event has developed from an import and export fair into a special platform for economic co-operation between China and ASEAN countries, said Cui Zhitao, an official from the provincial government.
The upcoming fair will be jointly sponsored by six cities, provinces and autonomous regions in Southwest China. It will run between August 26 and 30.
(China Daily July 2, 2003)
|