China and ASEAN are working to conclude negotiations on upgrading the Free Trade Area between them as soon as possible, Premier Li Keqiang said at the 9th East Asia Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on Nov 13.

He said China is willing to offer pre-establishment national treatment and a “negative list” approach to ASEAN, while carrying out negotiations for an investment agreement .

China has been the largest trading partner of ASEAN for five consecutive years and ASEAN is China’s third largest trading partner.