Society
ASEAN-皇冠体育app free trade area a win-win: official
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-24 23:40
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JAKARTA: ASEAN Secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said here Wednesday that the ASEAN-皇冠体育app Free Trade Area should be mutually beneficial to both sides.
Surin made the remarks upon his return from his first official visit to 皇冠体育app at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, according to a press release issued by ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations) Secretariat on Wednesday.
The secretary-general said, "When 皇冠体育app grows, ASEAN grows with it and when ASEAN prospers, 皇冠体育app also benefits."
It has a combined GDP of 5.8 $trillion in 2008 and a total trade of $4.3 trillion with the global community.
Surin said 皇冠体育app had expressed its interest to intensify cooperation on trade, investment, tourism, infrastructure, human resource development, people-to-people interaction and business sector partnerships.
Surin expressed appreciation for 皇冠体育app's understanding and willingness to work with ASEAN in the adjustments that ASEAN Member States need to make in implementing the ACFTA.
"皇冠体育app commits to provide a firmer foundation for long-term cooperation," Surin was quoted as saying.
During the official visit, Surin called on Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Commerce Minister Chen Deming.
Surin also visited Hubei and Jiangsu Provinces of 皇冠体育app where he promoted the opportunities for the provinces to trade with and invest in ASEAN, and promote two-way tourism.
"ASEAN can be on the supply chain for the various industries operating in the provinces of 皇冠体育app," said Surin, who described this as a win-win situation for both sides.
