Sponsored by the People's Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, the 2018 (the 9th) China-ASEAN Mining Cooperation Forum and Exhibition took place in Nanning on Nov 15. 

The 2018 (the 9th) China-ASEAN Mining Cooperation Forum and Exhibition commences with the grand opening in Nanning. [Photo by Song Yao/gxnews.com.cn]

With the theme "Focus on the Silk Road Cooperation and Develop Green Mining", this year's forum targeted green mining development, mining technology cooperation, the exploitation and utilization of important mineral resources, as well as hosting various exhibitions on new mining technologies, mining machinery, jewels and jade.

Running since 2010, the forum has provided a platform for China and ASEAN countries to deepen cooperation in mining and related fields, as well as to promote mutual trade and investment. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership and both sides have enjoyed numerous achievements in economic cooperation over the past few years, especially in the mining industry. In the future, China and ASEAN will push forward for an all-round pragmatic cooperation to realize a win-win situation, said Ling Yueming, vice-minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China. 

Ling Yueming, vice-minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, speaks highly of fast-growing China-ASEAN cooperation in various fields. [Photo by Zhu Jiang/people.com.cn]

Government officials from ASEAN countries noted that mining cooperation between China and ASEAN is a key opportunity related to the construction of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and both sides should actively encourage the exchange of information sharing in mining management, policies and technologies, in order to join hands to build a shared future for China and its ASEAN neighbors in the development of the mining industry.

With an upgraded scale and specification, this year's forum was attended by 1,600 people and 4,000 exhibitors from home and abroad, highlighting the great potential for further mutual growth.

The China-ASEAN Geosciences Cooperation Center is launched at the opening ceremony. [Photo by Song Yao/gxnews.com.cn]