Vice President Zeng Qinghong said in Nanning yesterday that China's development would bring opportunities to ASEAN nations.

"The prosperity of ASEAN accords with the interests of China," Zeng said while meeting ASEAN trade and economic ministers here to attend the 2nd China-ASEAN Expo.

He said he hoped all involved would make joint efforts to turn the China-ASEAN Expo into an important platform to promote cooperation amongst them.

Trade and economic ministers from ASEAN countries spoke highly of China's active promotion of strategic cooperation between them and China, and said they regarded China as a reliable friend.

They said ASEAN attached importance to economic and investment cooperation with China.

The ministers also extended their congratulations on China's latest achievements in the field of spaceflight.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2005)