On 21 May 2019, the Expert Meeting on China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (hereinafter referred to as CCI) was held in Chongqing. About 80 people including former Chinese ambassadors to ASEAN countries, members of CCI Expert Committee, representatives of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, enterprises and international organizations attended the meeting. Mr. Chen Dehai, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), was invited to attend the meeting and deliver remarks.

Mr. Han Baochang, Director-General of CCI Administrative Bureau, warmly welcomed all the guests and elaborated on the operation and initial progress of CCI and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. He said that Chongqing will introduce more policy incentives and launch more projects to better implement national strategies including Belt and Road Initiative, Western China Development and the Development of Yangtze River Economic Belt, in a bid to drive the opening up and development of the entire western region and beyond. Based on China-Singapore cooperation, Chongqing hopes to expand cooperation with other ASEAN countries and strive to promote cooperation with third parties.

Secretary-General Chen Dehai said that as ASEAN-China relations have entered a period of maturity, ASEAN countries’ engagement in the BRI cooperation has deepened. Strengthening regional connectivity and seeking common development have become an overall trend of the region. The CCI, with high-level attention of China and Singapore and active participation of regional countries, will further develop in practical manner and better play the facilitating role in driving the growth of the region. ACC stands ready to strengthen cooperation with CCI Administrative Bureau to jointly promote broad participation of ASEAN countries and Chinese provinces in the building of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, so as to contribute to the peace, stability and development of the region.

Based on China-Singapore cooperation and advantages of Chongqing, former Chinese ambassadors to ASEAN countries including Mr. Zhang Jiuhuan, Mr. Wang Chungui, Mr. Hu Qianwen and Mme. Zhang Xiaokang, as well as Mme. Gao Deke, former Consul-General of China in Ho Chi Minh City, had discussions on how to promote CCI in the new era and the common development of the countries and regions along the route. They also gave some suggestions on the development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and cooperation with third parties.

After the meeting, ACC signed a memorandum of cooperation with CCI Administrative Bureau, agreeing to work together to promote more participation of ASEAN countries and Chinese provinces in building the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

On the same day, Mr. Ren Xuefeng, Deputy Secretary of Chongqing Municipal Party Committee, met with Secretary-General Chen Dehai and former Chinese diplomatic envoys to ASEAN countries. They exchanged views on furthering the role of Chongqing and promoting the steady and sustained development of CCI. The guests also visited the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park.