Mayors, representatives, and experts from the Chinese mainland and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries convened in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Thursday for a pivotal dialogue centered on urban openness and cooperation.
The event, titled \"Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation,\" gathered participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Under the aegis of the \"Global Mayors Dialogue – Nanning,\" the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions on enhancing urban governance, fostering economic partnerships, and promoting cultural integration.
Nong Shengwen, Party chief of Nanning, highlighted the significant growth in economic and trade cooperation between the Chinese mainland and ASEAN members, noting that bilateral trade volume soared from over $600 billion in 2019 to nearly $1 trillion in 2024. He emphasized the deep integration of industrial, supply, and value chains as a testament to the robust partnership.
Atsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, Laos, underscored the importance of friendship as the cornerstone of peace and security within the community. He advocated for sustained openness and collaboration between cities to achieve stability, prosperity, and sustainable development across the region.
Throughout the dialogue, participants exchanged insights on urban openness, economic strategies, and governance models, culminating in the issuance of the Nanning Initiative. This initiative aims to further deepen cooperation and foster exchanges between the Chinese mainland and ASEAN countries, paving the way for a united and resilient urban community.
By fostering such collaborative platforms, China and ASEAN are setting the stage for enhanced regional integration and shared growth, reflecting their commitment to a harmonious and prosperous future together.
Reference(s):
Mayors from China, ASEAN highlight urban openness, cooperation
cgtn.com
