Guangdong province hosts a trade and economic exchange seminar with the consular corps of ASEAN countries in Guangzhou on April 24. [Photo/gdfao.gov.cn]

Guangdong province hosted a trade and economic exchange seminar with the consular corps of ASEAN countries in Guangzhou on April 24, bringing together consular officials from Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Wang Xi, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, addressed the seminar, highlighting Guangdong's role as China's front-runner in reform and opening-up and its top provincial economy.

He noted that Guangdong and ASEAN countries share a strong foundation, favorable conditions and broad prospects for economic and trade cooperation.

Wang expressed hope that both sides would strengthen strategic alignment between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and ASEAN's major development initiatives, deepen the integration of industrial, and supply chains and leverage events such as the Canton Fair to expand trade.

He also called for a more robust regular communication mechanism and landmark cooperation projects to deliver tangible outcomes and higher-level mutual benefit.

The seminar was chaired by Ma Wenfeng, director general of the Foreign Affairs Office of Guangdong.