Fruits from Thailand are among displays at the Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo. [Photo by Zou Zhongpin/Asianewsphoto]

Economic powerhouse Guangdong province is to push the development of a fast and efficient transport network with Southeast Asia to aid cooperation with countries and regions along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, a senior Party official said on Friday.

"We will accelerate construction of a sea-land-air network which will play a significant role in boosting trade, economic and cultural links between Guangdong and Southeast Asia," said Hu Chunhua, Party chief of Guangdong.

Hu made the remarks at the Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo in Dongguan, a major manufacturing and trade city in the Pearl River Delta.

Guangdong will also boost trade ties with countries and regions along the route by expanding goods, technology, services and cross-border e-commerce trade.

"Two-way investments, as well as communication and exchanges in culture and tourism are encouraged to build a modern Maritime Silk Road," Hu said.

Guangdong's trade with ASEAN members reached $102.2 billion in 2013, accounting for 23 percent of China's total trade with ASEAN countries and regions, according to Hu.

More than 1,000 companies and industrial associations from 42 countries and regions took part in the three-day event, displaying products and tourism resources to boost trade and cultural cooperation, as well as promoting the history of Guangdong's trade and cultural links with countries along the route.

More than 440 cooperative agreements, with contracts worth in excess of 170 billion yuan, are expected to be signed.