Kunming, China – June 26, 2023
The Ministry of Commerce announced on Sunday that the opening ceremony for the third round of negotiations on Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) was successfully held in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province in southwest China. The negotiations, which commenced on June 24 and will run until June 27, brought together approximately 370 officials from relevant authorities of China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen, speaking at the opening ceremony, emphasized that the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN FTA will play a pivotal role in upgrading the existing comprehensive strategic partnership between China and ASEAN countries. Wang further highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in the digital and green economy sectors, as well as fostering collaboration in the supply and industrial chains. These efforts aim to promote high-quality development in bilateral economic and trade relations while facilitating regional economic integration.
Wang expressed China’s readiness to work closely with ASEAN countries to enhance open cooperation within the framework of Version 3.0 China-ASEAN FTA. He emphasized the need to create an inclusive, modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement that would benefit all parties involved.
The negotiations, officially launched in November 2022, are focused on various areas, including trade in goods, investment, and the digital and green economy. The objective is to establish a more inclusive, modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial China-ASEAN FTA.
As the negotiations progress, China and ASEAN are striving to deepen their economic ties and strengthen their strategic partnership, fostering a climate of cooperation and shared prosperity in the region.
