Zhanjiang should take full advantage of deepening cooperation with ASEAN countries and stand at the forefront in achieving the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative, Zhanjiang Mayor Wang Zhongbing said at the 2nd ASEAN Development Forum in Hong Kong on Dec 14.

A Zhanjiang delegation led by mayor Wang attended the forum from Dec 13 to 14. Wang made a keynote speech at the forum. He said that Zhanjiang has two development goals. One is to develop into the central city in the Beibu Gulf Rim within 10 years. The other is to become the "maritime bridgehead" between China and ASEAN countries.

He pointed out that Zhanjiang and ASEAN countries have had long-term cooperation in architecture, infrastructure construction, modern agriculture, aquaculture and personnel training. The two sides also have great cooperative potential for coastal tourism, science and technology, culture and education.

The forum was hosted by Asia Pacific Daily. Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Leung Chun-ying, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Xu Bu, government officials from ASEAN countries and the Chinese mainland, and scholars and experts attended the forum.

During the forum, mayor Wang met with Ju Mengjun, director of Xinhua News Agency's Asia Pacific Bureau and Asia-Pacific Daily, and gave interviews to CCTV and Asia-Pacific Daily.

The mayor also visited the Asia-Pacific headquarters of Kohlerg Kravis Roberts (KKR), a leading global investment firm, and met with Hua Yuneng, head of KKR Greater China.

Zhanjiang Mayor Wang Zhongbing delivers a keynote speech at the 2nd ASEAN Development Forum in Hong Kong on Dec 14. [Photo/Zhanjiang Daily]

Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Leung Chun-ying speaks at the 2nd ASEAN Development Forum in Hong Kong on Dec 14. [Photo/Zhanjiang Daily]

The 2nd ASEAN Development Forum in Hong Kong attracted many members of the media. [Photo/Zhanjiang Daily]