China calls for trade drive

China would like to see the establishment of an East Asian economic community through deeper pragmatic engagement and a sustained drive focusing on regional connectivity, free trade, financial cooperation and sustainable development, Vice-Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said on Friday.

"In free trade, we should bring about an early conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and China-Japan-South Korea free trade agreement negotiations, which will contribute to establishing an Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area," Liu said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 15th East Asia Forum.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is also the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a cooperative framework between ASEAN countries, China, Japan and South Korea, which is also known as the"10+3"mechanism.

More than 100 officials, businessmen and academics gathered in Changsha, capital of Hunan province, to discuss the development of SMEs and the potential for an East Asia economic community.

Liu said the forum, which runs to Saturday, is the only platform for exchanges between governmental officials, businessmen and academics under the framework. He also called for better cooperation to tackle poverty alleviation, SME development, tourism and cultural exchanges, in line with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

During the "10+3" Leaders meeting last year, Premier Li Keqiang proposed dialogues between all the nations covered by the framework for drafting a blueprint for an East Asia economic community as soon as possible.

Paridh Kan, undersecretary of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Cambodia, said the forum provided diverse perspectives and new momentum for East Asia cooperation.

Nguyen Quoc Dung, vice-minister of foreign affairs of Vietnam, said regional integration has successfully reduced disparities in development and boosted regional connectivity. He added that further efforts should be made to enhance the development of SMEs and e-commerce businesses with the help of China, Japan and South Korea.

Hirubalan Veluppilla Ponnudurai, deputy secretary-general of ASEAN, said the forum had strengthened the partnership between countries in the region.