China, South Asia ties on upswing

China and South Asia's extensive collaboration and their highly complementary trade structure will be crucial drivers of economic and social development on both sides, Chinese officials said on Tuesday.

China, as the largest developing country, and South Asia, as a fast-growing region, have consistently fostered broad cooperation across sectors, spanning regional connectivity, infrastructure enhancement and industrialization, they said.

They made the remarks ahead of the Seventh China-South Asia Expo, which will be held from August 16 to 20 in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in Southwest China.