China will continue to facilitate trade, investment in Northeast Asia

China will continue to facilitate trade and investment in Northeast Asia, and urge all parties to seek cooperation in internet, high-end and intelligent manufacturing, and modern service industry, said high officials on Friday.

China's Vice-Premier Wang Yang delivering a speech at the 11th China-Northeast Asia Expo Opening Ceremony said: "Although China has run a trade deficit with several countries in the region, we do not engage in trade protection, and is willing to further expand our imports from these economies to meet diversified needs."

At the same time, China is ready to sign high-standard trade agreements with the parties, Wang added.

The expo, a biannual event, serves as an important platform to bolster economic and trade exchange among Northeast Asia countries.

Qian Keming, vice-minister of commerce, said: "All parties in this region should promote all-round interconnection of infrastructure, and explore opportunities for collaboration in sectors like internet, high-end and intelligent manufacturing, and modern service."

In 2016, trade amount between China and the five countries of Northeast Asia totaled about $605.9 billion, accounting for 16.4 percent of China's overall foreign trade, according to Qian.

During the same period, these five countries' investment in China reached about $7.85 billion, while China's total investment in the above countries also maintaining growth, Qian said.