At a recent press conference on China—ASEAN economic and trade cooperation held by the State Council Information Office, Chen Zhou, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce, presented the achievements made since the start of China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation and discussed how the strategic topic of the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” can be further implemented within the ASEAN framework. Specific economic and trade measures include raising the level of trade facilitation, broadening financing channels for cooperation projects, strengthening sub-regional cooperation, and enhancing regional economic integration cooperation.

When explaining how the strategic topic of the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” can be further implemented within the ASEAN framework, Chen Zhou said, “At the 16th China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting held at the end of last year, China proposed building an upgraded version of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. This proposal was widely welcomed by ASEAN countries, and China is willing to work with ASEAN to launch negotiations on the upgraded FTA as soon as possible.” He added, “Specifically, there will be a series of measures in the economic and trade field.”