The Global Mayors Dialogue – Nanning event in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Jan. 16, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

The Global Mayors Dialogue–Nanning event opened on Jan. 16 in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, with the signing of 14 cooperation projects amounting to over 3.3 billion yuan ($450 million) in investment.

Themed "Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation," the event brought together attendees from seven ASEAN countries, including Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.

The signed projects span intergovernmental collaboration, trade, logistics, tourism and education. These initiatives are expected to drive industrial growth in Nanning and ASEAN countries, fostering economic development and optimizing regional industrial structures.

Trade between China and ASEAN countries continues to thrive. Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that the trade volume reached 6.99 trillion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 9%, accounting for 15.9% of China's total foreign trade. Additionally, the substantial conclusion of the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) upgrade negotiations in October highlights the shared commitment to a rules-based trading environment, deepened economic integration and accelerated post-pandemic recovery.

Nanning Mayor Hou Gang emphasized the city's strengthened connectivity with ASEAN countries, particularly through a four-hour air logistics circle that enhances trade and tourism. Platforms for products such as new energy vehicles and cellphones have also been established, enabling seamless transactions and delivery for consumers in both regions.

Atsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, Laos, praised China's openness in promoting regional economic integration. He noted that the recent launch of direct flights between Nanning and Vientiane has significantly boosted the flow of goods and tourists, accelerating economic growth in both cities.

Ho Quang Huy, chairman of the People's Committee of Mong Cai, Vietnam, highlighted the importance of the Dongxing and Mong Cai border ports in facilitating cross-border trade and tourism. Dongxing in Guangxi, which is separated from Mong Cai by only a river, serves as a hub for close interaction between residents of China and Vietnam. With border resident certificates, individuals can travel back and forth within a day.

Wong Chia Zhen, member of Malaysia's Kedah State Executive Council, introduced the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, an advanced industrial zone in Malaysia. The park has attracted substantial foreign investment, including from Chinese lithium battery enterprise EVE Energy, showcasing the growing industrial collaboration between the two nations.

The event also witnessed the release of the Nanning Initiative, which calls for stronger urban exchanges, enhanced economic and trade cooperation, and deeper people-to-people bonds between China and ASEAN countries.