Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, in an address to the 12th summit between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Saturday in Hua Hin, made a six-point proposal for strengthening cooperation between China and ASEAN.

Wen said that thanks to painstaking efforts, the financial situation in China and ASEAN countries has basically remained stable despite the global financial crisis, with the economic situation generally becoming stable and turning for the better, and with trade between the two sides entering a stage of restorative growth.

The Chinese premier proposed that steps be taken to enhance cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in the following respects:

Firstly, the role of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area should be brought into play.

Thirdly, efforts should be made to deepen agricultural and rural cooperation.

Fourthly, steps should be taken to promote sustainable development.

Fifthly, efforts should be made to strengthen social and cultural exchange.

And sixthly, multi-level regional cooperation should be promoted.