South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region plans to strengthen local infrastructure and establish the region's Beibu Gulf as a free trade zone to increase trade and partnerships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Peng Qinghua, Party chief of Guangxi, said at a conference on Sunday that the government will build more transportation, energy and water conservation infrastructure as well as develop the local information technology industry.

Established in 2006, the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone comprises six cities: Nanning, Beihai, Qinzhou, Fangchenggang, Yulin and Chongzuo.

Guangxi has become increasingly important in connecting southwest and central China with southeast Asian countries. Ports in the zone can handle 224 million tons of cargo every year," said Zhou Xiaoxi, Beibu Gulf Port Group's board director.