NANNING: Exploiting its location on the doorstep of Southeast Asia, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is working to further its trade and economic engagement with ASEAN member states.

"The autonomous region enjoys every advantage for closer economic cooperation and trade ties with Southeast Asian countries," said Li Wenjie, deputy director-general of the autonomous region's commerce department. "The local government has been taking measures to make good use of these advantages."

He noted the region's government is encouraging firms in Guangxi to enter industries such as energy and resource development, agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, animal husbandry and manufacturing, as well as engineering projects in Southeast Asian countries.

Bordering Vietnam on both sea and land, Guangxi, aims to partner first with that neighbor on a wide range products, resources and expertise, Li said.

The region also hopes to forge closer economic ties with Malaysia and the Philippines in agricultural technology and with Brunei in prawn cultivation, he said.

He said that the autonomous region is making efforts to improve the investment climate by enhancing government efficiency, simplifying official procedures for ASEAN businesses and expanding infrastructure.

And the only "electronic port" in South China, designed to streamline customs procedures, has opened in Pingxiang, an important port for commerce with Vietnam.

The official is optimistic about future trade.

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