On 20 March 2018, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), met with Mr. Raimundo Arrais do Rosário, Secretary for Transport and Public Works of Macao Special Administrative Region, and exchanged views on promoting practical cooperation between ASEAN-China and ASEAN-Macao. Mr. Zhang Xuehai, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations Division of ACC, attended the meeting.

Secretary-General Yang gave an overview of ASEAN, the development process of ASEAN-China relations and East Asia regional cooperation. She mentioned that since the establishment of ASEAN-China dialogue relations in 1991, the bilateral relations have enjoyed continuous all-around and in-depth development and produced fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation, particularly in infrastructure and connectivity. At present, ASEAN and China are formulating the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision towards 2030, and actively enhancing synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative and Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025. Cooperation in various areas is thriving.

Secretary-General Yang briefed on ACC’s mandate and recent work. She cited that as an intergovernmental organization co-founded by ten ASEAN Member States and China, ACC has actively implemented the consensus of both sides’ leaders, and given a full play to its role of a one-stop information and activities centre. ACC is committed to promoting friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, tourism and information and media. As of the end of 2017, ACC has accomplished more than 120 flagship projects, and hosted or participated in more than 600 events. This year, ACC is going to organize a series of events to celebrate the 15th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership and the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation including an international symposium on celebrating the 15th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, and ASEAN-China Belt and Road Business Forum: the First E-Commerce Cooperation Dialogue. ACC would like to maintain close contacts with the Secretariat for Transport and Public Works of Macao Special Administrative Region, serve as a bridge and bond facilitating Macao’s engagement in ASEAN-China practical cooperation, and make joint contribution to the in-depth development of ASEAN-China relations.

Secretary Raimundo Arrais do Rosário welcomed Secretary-General Yang Xiuping to Macao and reviewed Macao’s efforts in infrastructure development and in strengthening connectivity with the Mainland. He commended ACC’s tremendous efforts in promoting ASEAN-China friendly exchanges and cooperation. He mentioned that the blueprint of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is being implemented steadily and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bridge has been completed, which will bring Macao closer to the Mainland and Hong Kong. The development of ASEAN is notable. Secretary-General Yang’s briefing further deepened his understanding of ASEAN and ASEAN-China relations. He looked forward to maintaining close contacts with ACC so as to jointly explore cooperation opportunities and promote common development.

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