From 3 to 5 September 2017, ASEAN-China Young Entrepreneur Forum, with the theme “Role of Emerging Youth and Women Entrepreneurs in Economic Development”, was held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Kingdom of Cambodia. H.E. Mr. Luy David, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, H.E. Mr. Kan Pharidh, Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ASEAN SOM Leader of Cambodia, H.E. Mr. Son Senghuot, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Industry and Handicraft of Cambodia, Mr. Ke Yousheng, Counsellor of the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, delivered their speeches at the Forum. H.E. Mr. Tea Seiha, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province, and Mr. Ouk Sorphorn, Director-General of the General Department of ASEAN, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, attended the event. Over 120 participants, including representatives from the governments of ASEAN Member States and China, international organizations, business sectors, enterprises and media, participated in the Forum.

The participants made a lively discussion on the topics of “Overview on ASEAN-China Economic Cooperation: Roles of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Economic Development in ASEAN Member States and China”, “Key Challenges Facing Youth and Women Entrepreneurs in MSMEs”, “Best Practices and Opportunities for Youth and Women Entrepreneurs in MSMEs”, “How can MSMEs Optimize Their Benefits from ASEAN-China FTA”, and “Key Recommendations on How to Promote Greater Roles of Emerging Youth and Women Entrepreneurs in Economic Development: the Way Forward”.

Upon the invitation of the organizer, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) sent its representative to join the activity. In his speech, the ACC representative briefed on the roles of MSME in ASEAN-China economic and trade cooperation and ACC’s efforts in promoting the development of ASEAN-China relations. The representative also made extensive exchanges with participants from all walks of life during the event.