On 24 May 2018, the Joint Executive Board (JEB) Working Group Meeting of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) was held at the ACC Secretariat. Representatives from Department of Asian Affairs of Foreign Affairs Ministry of China and Embassies of ASEAN Member States in Beijng attended the meeting. Heads of all divisions of ACC were present. This was the second session of JEB Working Group Meeting held in 2018.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Huang Ying, Director of General Affairs and Coordination Division of ACC. She thanked JEB for its strong support to ACC Secretariat. She noted that 2018 marks the 15th anniversary of ASEAN-China strategic partnership and the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation. Seizing the new opportunities of ASEAN-China relations, ACC will maintain close contacts with all members of JEB, and widely listen to suggestions and comments of all parties. By doing so, ACC is committed to well implementing the projects approved by ACC Joint Council, and making greater contributions to ASEAN-China practical cooperation.

Mr. Calvin Wong Yun Sheng, First Secretary of the Embassy of Singapore, rotating Chair of ASEAN in 2018, briefed on the official inauguration of the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation in April and the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. He expressed appreciation for the Secretariat’s efforts in implementing the leaders’ consensus and promoting the development of China-ASEAN relations. Mr. Cheng Hongbo, Deputy Director of Regional Cooperation Division of Department of Asian Affairs of Foreign Affairs Ministry of China, updated the participants with the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to ASEAN Secretariat and his attendance at the launching ceremony of the 15th anniversary of ASEAN-China strategic partnership on 7 May. He stated that China is committed to maintain close communication with ASEAN to jointly build a closer community with shared future and create a new era for ASEAN and China.

Heads of ACC divisions outlined the progress of each division since February 2018 and the work plan for the next stage. Representatives of JEB members commended the efforts made by ACC Secretariat, put forward ideas and suggestions on relevant cooperation projects in 2018 and assured their continuous support for ACC in implementing the projects.