From 28 to 30 November 2016, ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) arranged for a visit to Panzhihua City of Sichuan Province by the delegation of the ASEAN Committee in Beijing (ACB), during which the ACB delegation visited Pangang Group Rail & Beam Plant, Zhuangshang Tourism Village, Lixin Gardening & Flower Base, Puda Sunshine International Health, Pension and Vacation Community, Juque Inkstone Museum, Sago Cycas Garden of Panzhihua Park, etc. The field trips enabled them to acquire more knowledge about the history, culture, and the development of iron and steel industry, tourism, and ecological agriculture in Panzhihua City. They exchanged views with officials and representatives from local government departments and enterprises on ways and means to expand friendly cooperation between ASEAN countries and Panzhihua City.

Members of the delegation were impressed by the fine weather condition and abundant mineral resources of Panzhihua City as well as its achievements in health industry, ecological tourism, and modern agriculture. They thanked Panzhihua City for its warm hospitality and believed that the Panzhihua-ASEAN International Trade City would mark a new start for closer cooperation between ASEAN countries and Panzhihua City. The trip gave them a new perspective on Panzhihua City and demonstrated the strong desire of the local authority to increase cooperation with ASEAN countries. The embassies and consulates general of ASEAN countries to China expressed their readiness to continue to strengthen contact with Panzhihua City and work actively to increase friendly exchanges, boost friendship between the people of both sides and raise bilateral cooperation to a new level for win-win outcomes.

During the visit, Secretary-General Yang Xiuping gave an interview to the Panzhihua Daily, the Panzhihua Evening, and the Panzhihua Broadcasting and TV on the prospects for Panzhihua-ASEAN cooperation, the mandate and work of ACC, and so on.