Myanmar President Win Myint delivered a video message at the opening ceremony of the 17th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and 17th China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) held at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre, in Nanning, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar.

President Win Myint stressed the importance of communication and interaction in these troubled times.

“Today, the world is grappling with the COVID-19 health crisis which has brought profound changes to our way of life. However, we are happy to see that the pandemic has not prevented the annual CAEXPO from taking place this year. We would like to congratulate China on the successful hosting of the 17th China-ASEAN Expo despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic.

“I am confident that the 17th CAEXPO will continue to serve as an important platform for exploring to strengthen the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership particularly through trade, investment, and people to people linkages,” he said.

Win Myint talked about China’s infrastructure and communications outreach.

“The theme of the 17th CAEXPO: Building the Belt and Road, Strengthening Digital Economy Cooperation is most timely and relevant as we have designated 2020 as the ‘Year of ASEAN-China Digital Economy Cooperation’.

“Digital economy is an important segment of sustainable development, especially at a time when we are becoming increasingly reliant on digital technology for communication, education, health care, trade, investment, stock exchange, and other forms of business activities in the face of challenges posed by the global pandemic.

“ASEAN Member States and China have established connections through various means, including digitalization. But given the different levels of digital economy development among us, we will need to strengthen cooperation in digital infrastructure. I believe narrowing the development gap in this particular area will improve internet access for all, thereby contributing towards the promotion of a digital economy,” the Myanmar President said.