NANNING — China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have developed broad, fruitful and close dialogue relations, said Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli on Sept 12.

The dialogue relations, established 25 years ago, have contributed significantly to regional and global peace, stability and prosperity, said Zhang, when addressing the opening ceremony of the 13th China-ASEAN Expo here.

“Gratifying progress” has been achieved in China-ASEAN cooperation in the joint construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road since China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative three years ago, he said.

Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli addresses the opening ceremony of the 13th China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, capital of South China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Sept 11, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is a new opportunity, a new driver and a new highlight for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and ASEAN, according to Zhang.

China is ASEAN’s largest trading partner and the bloc is China’s third-largest trading partner. Two-way investment amounts to more than $160 billion.

The two sides have worked on a number of projects, including railways, highways and power plants.

People-to-people exchanges are also robust. Last year, more than 23 million trips were made between China and ASEAN members.

Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli (C) attends the opening ceremony of the 13th China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, capital of South China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Sept 11, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli (2nd L) and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (2nd R) attend the opening ceremony for Vietnam Pavilion after the opening ceremony of the 13th China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, capital of South China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Sept 11, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli (C, Front) visits the booth of Alibaba Group after the opening ceremony of the 13th China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, capital of South China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Sept 11, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]