ASEAN and China launched the ASEAN-China Center on Friday at the East Asia Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, marking 20 years of the ASEAN-Chinese relationship.

The center, headquartered in Beijing, is aimed at promoting trade, tourism, educational and cultural activities in the regions.

ASEAN-China center secretary general Ma Mingqiang told a press conference that the center reflected ASEAN and China leaders’ support for strengthening cooperation.

“We would like to thank all the parties that have been very supportive of the establishment of the center,” he said as quoted by Antara news agency.

Mingqiang said that the center would also provide information and studies on banking and investment for businesspeople and citizens of ASEAN member countries and China.

“The center also will conduct surveys to identify potential markets and cooperation that can be done in the regions,” he said.

The center website, asean-china-center.org, says it is also aimed at synergizing the potentials of ASEAN and China in order to enhance the region’s appeal to external partners and facilitate access to ASEAN and Chinese ventures.