Xinhua Insight: China, ASEAN eyes production capacity cooperation

Zhang Ping, owner of a northeast China power technology company, described his trip to the 12th China-ASEAN Expo in the southern city of Nanning as a success.

"I have talked with people from the Philippines and Indonesia and they are very interested in working with my company," he said.

Zhang's company works on research, design and manufacture of equipment used in the energy industry including thermal and nuclear power.

"Our technology is comparatively advanced and at reasonable prices," he said. "Our products meet the needs of ASEAN members building infrastructure."

Cooperation in production capacity has been a focus of the four-day expo. Addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said, China boasts advantages in production capacity including equipment, technology and managerial experience. ASEAN members are actively promoting industrialization and urbanization, and are in urgent need of equipment, technology and capital.

During a forum on international production capacity and equipment manufacture, Lao deputy minister of planning and investment Bounthavy Sisouphanthong said that Laos is in need of advanced production capacity. In the short term, his expects more technological support and technology transfer in the areas of energy manufacturing, agriculture, education, medicine and services. In the long run, Laos is looking for help in human resources development.

Chhoun Dara of Cambodia, said, the Belt and Road Initiative will help production capacity cooperation between China and ASEAN.

The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by China in 2013 as a trade and infrastructure network. It will connect Asia with Europe and Africa through the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Ning Jizhe, deputy head of China's National Development and Reform Commission, said China and ASEAN members have a priority for cooperation.

China has comparatively advanced equipment and technology, making cost effective products. China and ASEAN have mutual needs and complementary advantages, Ning said.

Also attending the expo, representatives from Sihanoukville special economic zone in Cambodia are seeking investment from China and other ASEAN members.

Richard Zhu with the zone marketing department said Cambodia is rich in natural and labor resources and in need of China's advanced production capacity and equipment, and has reached some preliminary cooperation agreements with Chinese companies in solar power and iron and steel.

Lin Zhiguang, a Chinese businessman who established a construction company in Cambodia, said China is transferring part of its capacity to places such as Southeast Asia and Africa. There are over 10,000 Chinese business people investing in Cambodia, with their focus mainly in agriculture, mechanical equipment and education.

Zhang Xiaoqin, vice governor of Guangxi, said while developing countries are promoting industrialization and urbanization, developed countries are stressing re-industrialization. Against this background, international production cooperation is a good way to drive economic growth. Endi