Premier Wen said at the opening ceremony that the Expo demonstrates the common aspiration of China and ASEAN to grasp opportunities for cooperation, and serves as a platform to push forward the trade, investment and tourism cooperation.

He said China will continue to work with ASEAN to enhance regional development.

The past 15 years have witnessed enhanced mutual trust and expanded economic and trade exchange between China and ASEAN, and China's rapid economic development will create more opportunities for bilateral cooperation, he said.

The Expo is jointly sponsored by the Commerce Ministry of China,the trade and economic authorities of ten ASEAN members and the ASEAN Secretariat, with the participation of about 2,100 companies.

This is the first time for leaders of China and ten ASEAN member countries to meet in China. They attended a China-ASEAN commemorative summit Monday and signed a joint statement, cementing strategic partnership.

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