A forum between local chambers of commerce and their ASEAN counterparts opened in Nanning on Friday, aiming to boost bilateral trade.

More than 600 representatives from Chinese and ASEAN chambers of commerce and government officials attended the opening ceremony in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Strengthening cooperation between chambers of commerce in Chinese and ASEAN cities will boost non-governmental diplomacy, economic and trade exchanges, said Song Beishan, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, on Friday.

Nanning Mayor Chen Xiangqun said the city has become a regional trade hub - part of the China-ASEAN free trade area, Pan-Beibu Bay and Pan-Pearl River Delta.

Chen called on the chambers of commerce to set up a regional cooperation platform. He also urged improvement of urban and government services and investment channels.

He said Nanning would launch key infrastructure projects to provide more convenient and efficient transport links with ASEAN nations.

Zhang Chongren, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Guangxi committee, said the China-ASEAN strategic partnership and free trade area had linked Guangxi with ASEAN countries and brought the region unprecedented development opportunities.

(China Daily December 29, 2007)