On June 14, Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua addressed the opening ceremony of the 5th China-South Asia (CSA) Expo and the 25th China Kunming import and export fair, in Kunming, Southwest China’s Yunnan province.

Hu said the cooperation between China and South ASIA has been fruitful since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed and the first CSA Expo in Kunming in 2013.

He said the prospect for the China-South ASIA cooperation is promising, as both regions posses strong development momentum and potential in the world economic landscape.

China is willing to enhance political mutual trust with South Asian countries, strengthen cooperation under the framework of B&R Initiative, and welcomes them to participate in the first China International Import Expo, he added.

China is ready to expand two-way investment with South Asian nations, promote cooperation on capacity, transportation, culture, education, sports, tourism and media, he said.

Hu also said China will be persistent in promoting reform, opening-up and a free and convenient trade and investment environment.

On June 13, he met with senior officials from Afghanistan, Vietnam and Laos who came to attend the expo.

They all expressed the will to implement the consensus reached by top leadership from China and their own countries, and promote pragmatic cooperation on trade, investment and transportation under the B&R Initiative.