China has called for closer economic and trade cooperation with ASEAN. Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng said China stands ready to work with ASEAN in railway construction, IT improvement, and agriculture. Gao met with his counterparts and trade officials from ASEAN member states, South Korea and Japan in Laos capital, Vientiane, on August 4.

He also called for better coordination between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and development strategies of ASEAN member countries.