The China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit has now become the largest gathering of Chinese and ASEAN business communities every year. And, leaders from China and the 10 ASEAN member countries gathered today to witness the opening ceremonies.

    Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao addressed the ceremony focusing on China-ASEAN trade cooperation. He said China and ASEAN have experienced rapid growth and are witnessing expanded mutual investments.

    Both sides are enjoying closer regional and subregional cooperation, as well as frequent personal exchanges. But the Premier added that despite the achievements, potential for further cooperation remains huge. And he put forth a package of proposals for future China-ASEAN trade cooperation.

    Wen Jiabao said both sides should endeavor to further enlarge the amount of trade and deepen investment cooperation. He also said China and ASEAN should strengthen ties in economic and technological matters, and that they should work together for a high-quality China-ASEAN free trade zone. And, he added both sides should push for sub-regional development cooperation.

    Wen Jiabao said, “We will keep the promises made for entry into the WTO ... further opening our market and continuously bettering the investment environment to create good conditions for businesses in China. China's greater prosperity and opening will bring tremendous opportunities to the world, especially to neighboring countries. The Chinese government warmly welcomes ASEAN business people to come to China for investment and greater development.”

    With the theme of "one need, one future", this year's Business and Investment Summit is composed of four parts. Apart from the opening ceremony, the Summit includes two dialogue sessions for state leaders and a closing event.

    Officials from China and ASEAN, CEOs, and scholars are expected to attend panels in each session, where they will interact with more than one thousand delegates from the region.

(Source: CCTV)