From 18 to 24 May 2017, the Publicity Department of Anhui Provincial Party Committee and the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) jointly organized a reporting trip by ASEAN media to the Southern Anhui International Cultural Tourism Demonstration Area. 23 journalists from 18 media agencies from 10 ASEAN countries joined the trip. On 19 May 2017, the Opening Ceremony of “ASEAN Media’s Reporting Trip to the Southern Anhui International Cultural Tourism Demonstration Area” was held in Hefei, the capital of Anhui province.

Mr. Yu Aihua, Director-General of Publicity Department of Anhui Provincial Party Committee, announced the launch of the reporting trip by presenting a flag to the media delegation. Ms. Kong Roatlomang Director of Education, Culture, Tourism Division of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), Mr. Zheng Mingwu, Director of the Information Office of Anhui Provincial Government, and Mr. Ruan Yong Gang, Board Chairman of the ASEAN Finance Magazine, attended the ceremony as organizers and undertakers of the event.

In his speech at the ceremony, Mr. Zheng Mingwu said that friendly exchanges, mutual benefits and win-win outcomes have become the defining feature of cooperation between ASEAN and Anhui province. He hoped that the reporting trip will play its due role as a bridge and bond to promote mutual understanding and cooperation so as to further deepen friendship between ASEAN and China.

In reading out the message from H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ACC, Ms. Kong Roatlomang expressed ACC’s appreciation to the Anhui province for its laudable efforts to promote ASEAN-China tourism and media cooperation. She said that 2017 is the ASEAN-China Year of Tourism Cooperation. To enlist the participation and support of media is an effective way to market tourism resources and often tourism cooperation and media coverage join hands with each other to raise awareness, promote mutual understanding and enhance friendship among the people of different countries. She expected the journalists to give comprehensive coverage of the abundant cultural heritage and tourism resources of China, and the fruitful achievements of ASEAN-China practical cooperation. ACC will continue to play its role as a one-stop information and activities centre and join efforts with all partners and stakeholders to make greater contribution to ASEAN-China practical cooperation.

Ms. Tran Thi Thu Minh, leader of the ASEAN media delegation and Deputy Director of International News of the Viet Nam News Agency, said that the reporting trip enabled the journalists to get deeper insight into the history, culture and social-economic development of China. She wished for smooth development and success of the Demonstration Area.

During the ensuing reporting trip after the launch, the ASEAN and Chinese journalists visited the tourism and cultural sites of Hefei, Anqing, Chizhou and Xuancheng cities and experienced the traditional customs of Anhui province. The reporters all spoke highly of this meaningful project and they were very much impressed by the beautiful landscape and development of the Southern Anhui International Cultural Tourism Demonstration Area.