Fourth, work to build a high standard China-ASEAN free trade area. We should observe the principles set out in the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between China and ASEAN, fully implement the Agreement on Trade in Goods and speed up negotiations on trade in services and investment so as to reach agreement at an early date.

    Fifth, steadily advance sub-regional cooperation between China and ASEAN. Sub-regional cooperation programs such as the East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle and the Greater Mekong Sub-region Economic Cooperation Program (GMS) are off to a good start. China supports the ASEAN integration initiative and encourages Chinese companies to participate in these sub-regional programs. We will actively explore the feasibility of conducting Pan Beibu Gulf cooperation so that sub-regional economic cooperation will become a new focus in China-ASEAN trade and economic cooperation.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Thanks to the reform and opening-up program started 28 years ago, China's economy is booming, and its overall national strength has been greatly enhanced. The life of the average Chinese has significantly improved, all-round social progress has been registered, and historic achievements have been made in its modernization drive. We are fully confident in our ability to sustain rapid yet stable economic growth for a long time to come. We are committed to pursuing scientific development and the policy of reform and opening-up. We will honor in good faith our WTO commitment, further open the market, improve the investment environment and create enabling conditions for foreign companies operating in China. A more prosperous and open China will bring opportunities for the development of other countries, particularly its neighbors. The Chinese Government warmly welcomes ASEAN business people to China to pursue business opportunities and greater development.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    The business community plays a key role in a country's development. It also serves as a bridge linking China and ASEAN economically. I urge the business communities of both sides to strengthen cooperation and work together to usher in China-ASEAN trade and economic and investment cooperation in a new era.

    In concluding, I wish the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit great success!

    Thank you.