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Wen proposes enhancing ASEAN Plus Three co-op

By Qin Jize (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-10-29 18:13

Hanoi - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Thursday that the cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan and South Korea (ASEAN Plus Three) has withstood severe challenges and become stronger.

It has consolidated its function as a main channel in East Asian cooperation and become a symbol of East Asian countries' cooperation for mutual prosperity, Wen said.

Wen made the remarks?at the 13th ASEAN Plus Three Summit held in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

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The premier said that all sides should boost the establishment of an East Asia free trade area with the?ASEAN Plus Three as the main channel, as well as deepen cooperation in the financial, agricultural, infrastructure facilities building and education sectors.

He said coordination on global issues such as climate change should be strengthened.

Premier Wen also announced China will spend another $1 million on the?ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Fund to facilitate the establishment of an East Asia free trade area. China will also donate $1 million to the?ASEAN Plus Three Rice Emergency Reserve project to advance the sustainable development of agriculture in the region.