[InKunming--Yunnan] The 2019 South and Southeast Asia Commodity Expo and Investment Fair(SSACEIF) opened in the morning of June 12 in Kunming, Yunnan Province. Officials from governments of South Asia and regions met in Yuxi, Yunnan for the second time to discuss plans for a better future and regional cooperation.

The SSACEIF is held from June 12 to 18 in Kunming, aiming for promoting stronger cooperation between Yunnan, China and South and Southeast Asian countries. The second China-South Asia Cooperation Forum also took place at the same time.

Officials from Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region, Europe and Oceania, as well as international organizations, also joined in this year's forum.They discussed issues relating to trade and investment, poverty, culture and media.

Ruan Chengfa, governor of Yunnan province, delivered a speech at the forum.

Ruan said Yunnan is a gateway for China-South Asia cooperation because of its connectivity and deep economic and cultural links with South Asia.

He noted Yunnan has deepened and extended cooperation with South Asia in governmental dialogues, trade, investment and culture. Ongoing events like the South and Southeast Asia Commodity Expo and Investment Fair has created an effective platform for such collaborations.

"Since the first forum held last year, new achievements have been made in the cooperation between Yunnan and South Asian countries," Ruan said. He added regional government cooperation will greatly contribute to cooperation at the state government level.

Yunnan is preparing to establish organizations to implement the action plans and agreements reached at the first and second forum, including a secretariat and liaison office for the forum.

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(Editors: Cathy Chen, Rachel)