Relationships help fuel success in Guangxi

Guangxi has explored its comparative advantages in terms of fostering the new development paradigm and embarking on a path of high-quality development suitable to its characteristics, Lan Tianli, chairman of the region, said at a recent news conference.

"We have developed shipping routes with more than 200 ports in over 100 countries and regions," he said, adding that the number of companies in Guangxi's pilot free trade zone has exceeded 73,000, compared with about 3,800 before its establishment," Lan said.

Guangxi has regularly held a series of international events with ASEAN members, such as the China-ASEAN expo and summits. These platforms are now expanding their services to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership member states and countries that are involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

Liu Ning said that Guangxi will continue to pursue high-quality development through high-level opening up and deepening cooperation with Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and other ASEAN members. Guangxi's total trade volume with ASEAN increased from 74.8 billion yuan in 2012 to 282 billion yuan last year, with an average annual growth rate of 15.8 percent.

On Jan 1, the day when the RCEP took effect, Guangxi launched China's first international freight train to member countries. In the first half of this year, Guangxi's total exports to Japan and South Korea, both RCEP members, increased by 44.6 percent and 18.8 percent, respectively.

"After the implementation of the RCEP, the tariff rates of white card stock paper exported to Thailand, Singapore, Laos, Japan and other places were immediately reduced, which added confidence for us to further expand exports and widen trade chains," said Zhao Huayong, purchasing manager of Guangxi Sun Paper.

Liu said that Guangxi will fully synergize its development with that of the Greater Bay Area and accelerate its integration with the region.

Lan said that Guangxi has also attached great importance to the environment, culture and tourism sector to achieve high-quality development.