China, Asean to work on economic co-operation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Tuesday called for an "upgraded version" of the free trade area between China and the Asean, pledging economic and trade cooperation of "a greater scope and higher quality".

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) could have discussions about further lowering tariffs, cutting non-tariff measures, holding talks on a new round of service trade commitments, and promoting openness in the area of investment, Li said.

The Chinese premier was delivering the keynote address at the 10th China-Asean Expo, being held in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sep 3-6, reports Xinhua.

Li said China is willing to sign long-term trade agreements with Asean members on agricultural products and expand imports and added that China expects the bilateral trade volume to hit $1 trillion by 2020.

China, he said, is also willing to join hands with Asean to advance talks of regional comprehensive economic partnership, and discuss exchanges and interactions with frameworks including trans-pacific partnership agreement.

Li also called for further cooperation in areas of transportation, telecommunications and energy, as well as to enhance economic and financial cooperation between China and Asean.