Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc gave a pre-recorded welcome message at the online opening of the 17th China – ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) on Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has delivered a welcome speech in the form of a pre-recorded video at the online opening of the 17th China – ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) on Friday, at the invitation of the Chinese Government.  

In the speech, the PM expresses his delight at the opening of the CAEXPO 17 and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN – China Free Trade Area and the China – ASEAN Year of Digital Economy Cooperation, which contribute to trade and growth of both sides.

He congratulates Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, and the Government and people of China on overcoming difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and reaping outstanding economic achievements. He also lauds China for sharing its experience in fighting the pandemic and supporting countries in need.

According to him, ASEAN – China cooperation still maintains positive growth, especially in economy and trade. China has been ASEAN’s largest trade partner for 10 consecutive years. In the first six months of this year, ASEAN became China’s largest trade partner for the first time with a bilateral turnover of US$300 billion, 20 per cent of which was contributed by Việt Nam.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN and China have been one of a few pairs of partners worldwide to post positive growth since early this year.

PM Phúc stresses that in 2020 when Việt Nam serves as ASEAN Chair, the bloc continues strengthening solidarity and unity, drastically responding to the pandemic, while effectively cooperating with partners and solidifying its central role in regional security issues in line with the theme “Cohesive and Responsive”. He recalls that during the 37th ASEAN Summit held in November, 10 ASEAN member states and five partner countries, including China, signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), creating a major market with a 2.2 billion population and a GDP of $26.2 trillion.

The PM says Việt Nam is working for the dual goal of fighting the pandemic and restoring the economy via many measures, including participating in many free trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the European Union – Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

He notes that Việt Nam has always boasted the largest number of exhibitors and stalls at all CAEXPO editions so far. He adds that Việt Nam will keep its online show until the end of the year, offering more opportunities for businesses.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Việt Nam – China diplomatic ties this year, he says Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President Nguyễn Phú Trọng and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping held two phone talks to outline major orientations to deepen the bilateral neighbourliness and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

PM Phúc underlines that Việt Nam and other ASEAN member states are working towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, expanding collaboration with China on the basis of the United Nations Charter and international law and mutual benefits, contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. — VNS