(Photo 2: Delegates pose for a group photo during the 15th China-ASEAN (10+1) economic ministers' meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on Aug. 4, 2016. Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng attended the meeting.)
VIENTIANE -- China on August 4 vowed to deepen economic and trade cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The pledge was made during the 15th China-ASEAN (10+1) economic ministers' meeting which was held here in the Lao capital on August 4.
Speaking at the meeting, Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng highlighted the fruitful cooperation between China and ASEAN over the past 25 years.
China stands ready to work with ASEAN on cluster cooperation in such fields as railway, information and communication, chemical industry, engineering machinery and agriculture, Gao said, adding that enterprises from both sides are encouraged to carry out all-round cooperation.
The Chinese minister called for greater synergy between China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and development strategies of ASEAN member countries.
Gao said China will continue to provide development assistance as its capacity allows and help narrow the development gaps between ASEAN member countries.
China will also participate in the formulation and implementation of the master plan on ASEAN's connectivity and its post-2015 agenda, he added.
According to Gao, China will vigorously promote China-East ASEAN Growth Area cooperation and the Lancang-Mekong cooperation and provide financial support via platforms like China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund.
China will support ASEAN's centrality in pushing forward the conclusion of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) by the end of this year, he said.
(By Chen Yongrong, Rong Zhongxia)
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