MANILA, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) serves as a bridge for ASEAN and China to boost trade flows and strengthen supply chain cooperation, helping both sides reap shared development dividends, a Filipino expert said.
"ASEAN and China boast complementary economic structures, and the CAEXPO provides a matchmaking venue to connect supply and demand between both sides," said Lucio Pitlo, member of the board of directors and former president of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
Scheduled to run from Sept. 17 to 21 in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the 23rd CAEXPO draws more than 3,400 exhibitors from over 70 countries and regions.
Pitlo said China supplies high value-added products such as electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines, making it an "indispensable trade and development partner" for ASEAN.
He said ASEAN produces high-quality fruits including avocados, coconuts and durians, and is also rich in rubber, oil and gas, and mineral resources, which can meet China's demand for consumer goods and industrial raw materials.
Referring to trade corridors, Pitlo highlighted the Pinglu Canal, which officially opened to traffic Wednesday. He said the waterway will help improve economic activity and deepen connectivity between China and ASEAN.
He elaborated that goods from inland parts of central and southwest China previously had to be shipped via ports in Guangdong for overseas destinations.
"Now with this direct waterway access to the sea, transportation distances will be shortened. ASEAN countries like Vietnam can also deliver fresh fruits faster and more easily to reach Chinese consumers' tables," he added.
Pitlo said mobile payments and e-commerce are playing a growing role in ASEAN countries, areas where China has made much progress, with advanced and mature cashless payment schemes. "Robust and superb technology, supply chains, logistics networks and industry standards" can help ASEAN countries update their online commerce ecosystem.
"ASEAN countries can learn from China's experience in digital transformation. This will help us make more efficient supply chains, find ways to reduce costs, and improve service delivery," he said.
Established in the 1980s, the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies promotes cultural, educational, economic and academic exchanges between the Philippines and China. ■
