Distinguished Vice Premier Wang Qishan,
Distinguished H.E. Vice Premier of Laos Somsavat,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning!

On the occasion of the opening of the 18th China Kunming Import and Export Fair &3rd South Asian Countries Trade Fair, I would like, on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce of China, to extend our warm congratulations.

ASEAN and Countries in South Asia are our friendly neighbors and important trading partners. In recent years, with the deepening of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, China has established FTA with ASEAN and Pakistan, and had close cooperation with India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh under the framework of Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement. In 2009, despite the international financial crisis China-ASEAN trade amounted to US$213 billion and China-South Asia trade reached US$57 billion. Great achievements were made in mutually beneficial cooperation covering infrastructure construction and two-way investment.

Currently, China is actively implementing its economic stimulus package which pays more attention to realize the transformation of trade growth mode and balanced development of trade. It is the common desire for all counties in this region to further strengthen the cooperation in trade and investment between China and ASEAN and countries from South Asia. China Kunming Import and Export Fair & South Asian Countries Trade Fair is such an important platform for enhancing the cooperation. I hope everyone could make full use of this opportunity to have in-depth exchanges, expand the cooperation and seek common development.

Finally, wish the 18th China Kunming Import and Export Fair &3rd South Asian Countries Trade Fair a complete success!

Thank you!