The ports of entry in Nanning City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are experiencing an influx of exhibitors participating in the 21st China-ASEAN Expo.
The event is scheduled to be held from Tuesday to Saturday in Nanning, an important gateway connecting China and ASEAN countries.
Exhibitors from different countries have increasingly gravitated toward the Chinese market, bolstered by the implementation of China's customs clearance facilitation policy in recent years.
"I'm from Malaysia. I am here to participate in the ASEAN expo. With this visa-free policy, we will take more trips to China to see what the market is like here," said an visitor from Malaysia, the country of honor for this year's expo.
With favorable policies and measures in place to felicitate customs clearance, China has been welcoming an increasing number of foreign arrivals, especially during international events like the China-ASEAN Expo.
According to data from the local border checkpoint, ports of entry in Nanning have recently processed an average of approximately 2,100 inbound and outbound travelers each day. It is expected that the total number of passengers before, during, and after the China-ASEAN Expo will surpass 20,000.
The customs authority has facilitated the clearance and entrance with various measures.
"As exhibitors and visitors are entering for the expo, we have established designated areas for command and dispatch, service as well as data analysis to ensure safe and efficient customs clearance," said Wei Zhou, instructor of Nanning General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.
Nanning's ports of entry see influx of exhibitors for China-ASEAN Expo
Nanning's ports of entry see influx of exhibitors for China-ASEAN Expo
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
