"We will implement the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and focus on the theme of high-quality development," said Lu.

The region will fully tap into its geological advantage for opening-up by linking 11 countries and boosting exchanges, and upgrading major cooperation platforms including the China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.

The goal is to "create a market-oriented, law-based international business environment, and constantly improve the development level of an open economy," Lu said.

The region borders ASEAN member nations on land and sea, and has the potential to offer the shortest travel time, best service and cheapest price between China and ASEAN nations.

Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone. The 17th China-ASEAN Expo held in Guangxi's capital Nanning last year increased its service coverage to the 15 participating countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

The RCEP agreement was formally signed on Nov 15, launching the world's biggest free trade bloc. The 10-member ASEAN and its five free-trade partners－China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand－inked the agreement via video call, in which all pledged to lower trade barriers and promote interregional relationships.

Over the past 17 years, the China-ASEAN Expo has not only demonstrated extraordinary achievements in deepening trade and investment cooperation, but has also fostered cultural exchange and mutual understanding, said Virasac Somphong, consul-general of Laos.