The annual ASEAN Business and Investment, or ASEAN ABIS, opened on November 13 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang joined via video conferencing and called for stronger regional ties during his speech. Premier Li stressed the fact that China-ASEAN trade has risen despite the coronavirus pandemic, while ASEAN has topped the European Union to become China's No.1 trading partner. The premier said that it showed the need for closer regional economic cooperation as the ASEAN countries proceed with multinational free trade. Li also said that China could achieve positive GDP growth by year's end. This year's two-day ASEAN ABIS is focusing on the economy, investment, technology, and sustainability.