First China-ASEAN Industry and Commerce Forum opens

The First China-ASEAN Industry and Commerce Forum was opened in Nanning on September 17. The forum aims to further discuss deepening cooperation on market access between China and ASEAN so as to further promote bilateral investment facilitation and trade liberalization.

China put forward five initiatives about deepening cooperation on market access between China and ASEAN. Firstly, deepen cooperation on market access, continue to provide support for registration of enterprises from both sides and provide convenience for bilateral trade and investment; Secondly, deepen cooperation on market regulations, strengthen multilateral and bilateral exchanges and cooperation on the judiciary, establish and improve communication channels and mechanisms; thirdly, deepen cooperation on the protection of consumers’ rights; fourthly, deepen cooperation on the protection of trademarks and intellectual property rights; fifthly, deepen cooperation on skills training and actively explore the possibility of mutual-visits between staff and on-the-job training.

The organizer of the forum said, “In order to enrich China-ASEAN cooperation, set up a high-level dialogue platform for governments, enterprises, experts and scholars in the field of industry and commerce, and further strengthen economic exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, the State Administration for Industry & Commerce of China and the Government of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region have decided to jointly hold a China-ASEAN Industry and Commerce Forum during the 11th China-ASEAN Expo around the theme of building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and trying to forge the forum as a brand with international influence.”

It is understood that the China-ASEAN Industry and Commerce Forum has been included into a high-level forum of China-ASEAN Expo and will be held once every two years. Organizers will determine the annual theme around the main market players’ access, market supervision, fair competition, protection of consumer rights, brand strategy and the promotion of trade and investment.

Edited by Brian Salter