A forum on cybersecurity, cooperation and improvement between China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations began on Thursday, attracting hundreds of Internet professionals, companies and authorities.

The forum, part of the 11th China-ASEAN Expo and the 11th China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, is being held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

It is the first time Internet authorities and specialists from the countries have discussed the area's cyberdevelopment and cooperation.

The forum will last two days, and will focus on the security, economic development, facility establishment, digital gap and international cooperation of cyberspace in the area.

Several major Chinese technology and Internet companies, including Qihoo 360 and Baidu Inc, are participating in the forum.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn