Mayors, representatives, and experts from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries gathered on Thursday in Nanning, the capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, for the “Global Mayors Dialogue – Nanning” event. The theme of the dialogue was “Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation.”
Nong Shengwen, Party chief of Nanning, highlighted the growing economic ties between China and ASEAN. “Economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN has grown increasingly close, with bilateral trade volume rising from over $600 billion in 2019 to nearly $1 trillion in 2024,” he said. “The two sides have achieved deep integration of their industrial, supply, and value chains.”
Atsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “We understand that friendship is the most valuable aspect of peace and security in a community that will work together to achieve stability, prosperity, and sustainable development by encouraging openness and collaboration between cities,” he stated.
The event attracted attendees from ASEAN countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Participants engaged in discussions on urban openness and economic cooperation, cultural interactions and integration, and shared experiences in urban governance.
One of the key outcomes was the issuance of the Nanning Initiative, aimed at deepening cooperation and exchanges between China and the ASEAN countries. This initiative is expected to further strengthen ties and promote mutual development in the region.
Reference(s):
Mayors from China, ASEAN highlight urban openness, cooperation
cgtn.com
