On 24 May 2023, the highly anticipated 2023 ASEAN-China Conference on Sustainable Development Cooperation was successfully held in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The Conference was co-hosted by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and Huzhou Municipal Government under the theme of “Green Development and Win-win Cooperation”. H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC graced the event and delivered a captivating speech that highlighted the importance of sustainable development cooperation between ASEAN and China.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun stated that ASEAN and China are committed to sustainable development cooperation, with joint efforts in green and low-carbon development, clean energy, climate change response, and ecological protection for a brighter future in the region. ASEAN and China have unique advantages in sustainable development cooperation due to their complementary resource endowments and industrial advantages, as ASEAN boasts abundant natural resources while China has made significant progress towards optimizing its energy mix through renewable energy alternatives and green industrial transformation. ASEAN and China have bright prospects for sustainable development cooperation as they accelerate their implementation of comprehensive recovery frameworks and transition towards greener economies. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the development concept of “lucid water and lush mountains are invaluable assets” which became an important part of his thought on eco-civilization, and Huzhou city has practiced this with real actions to explore a path towards sustainable development featuring ecological beauty, green industry and prosperity for the people. The 2023 ASEAN-China Conference on Sustainable Development Cooperation is highly significant, requiring representatives from various fields to actively participate in the event and contribute their expertise towards green development, win-win cooperation, agricultural and food security and more. The ACC exists to strengthen practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and the ten ASEAN member states, acting as a reliable bridge for promoting steady and sound development. 

Other guests who addressed the Opening Ceremony include H.E. Mr. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Ms. Hou Yanqi, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Mr. Hong Hupeng, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Huzhou Municipal Committee and Mayor of Huzhou Municipal Government, Mr. Wang Fukang, Ambassador of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Manuel Mamba, Governor of Cagayan Province, the Philippines, and Ms. Zin Mar Htwe, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Five guest speakers invited by the ACC made keynote speeches on topics related to ASEAN-China sustainable development cooperation.

The Conference provided a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions for sustainable development. The presentations focused on various topics such as digital economy for green development, low-carbon technology, eco-friendly infrastructure and trade and investment policy. The Conference was a resounding success, with attendees praising the organizers for their efforts in promoting sustainable development and fostering cooperation between ASEAN and China. Nearly two hundred people, including representatives of local government from China, diplomatic officials from Embassies and Consulates of ASEAN Member States based in China, and diverse groups of experts, policy makers, business associations, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders attended the event.

In the afternoon, the Economic, Commercial and Investment Counsellors from the Embassies of Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Myanmar in China promoted their trade and investment policies during the parallel session Economic and Trade Session of the Conference. 

During their stay in Huzhou City, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun, the AMS diplomatic delegation and representatives of ASEAN business associations and enterprises also visited Yucun Village, Nanxun Ancient Town, Xiangyu Cross-border E-commerce Industry Service Platform, Nanyang Electric-Motor Co., Ltd and Yida Express Elevator Co., Ltd.