The Forum on International Cooperation for China's FTA Promotion and Implementation commenced both online and on-site in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Dec 22, gathering foreign envoys, experts, scholars and company representatives.

The forum was held by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and aims to optimize FTAs' positive role in addressing economic downside risks and easing trade frictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

Gao Yan, chairman of CCPIT, said in a video speech that the Chinese government has attached great importance to the construction of free trade zones and has signed 19 free trade agreements with 26 countries and regions, facilitating mutual investment and trade. 

Chen Dehai, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Center, delivered a video speech during which he pointed out that the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area is the largest of its kind among developing countries and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will help regional countries to boost prosperity and sustainable development.