Hua Hin (Thailand), Oct 24 (IANS) Chinese Prime Minster Wen Jiabao made a six-point proposal for strengthening cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during his address at the bloc’s summit here Saturday.
Wen said the financial situation in China and ASEAN countries remained stable despite the global economic crisis, and trade between the two sides have entered “a stage of restorative growth”, Xinhua reported.

He proposed six steps to enhance cooperation between the two sides: create China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, accelerate infrastructure development, deepen agricultural cooperation, promote sustainable development, strengthen cultural exchanges and advance regional cooperation at various levels.

He also called for protection of intellectual property rights and removal of technical trade barriers.

Wen said Beijing plans to hold a China-ASEAN Free Trade Area forum next year.

He said the two sides should actively promote projects that would help raise grain production in the ASEAN region.

Both sides should make efforts to adopt the China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Strategy at the earliest possible date, so as to expand cooperation in the field of renewable energy, among others, he added.