On 6 July 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) was invited to attend and address the Opening Ceremony of the 29th China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair (Lanzhou Fair) and High-Level Forum on the Silk Road Cooperation and Development in Lanzhou, Gansu Province. H.E. Su Hui, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, announced the opening of Lanzhou Fair. Mr. Hu Changsheng, Secretary of the Gansu Provincial CPC Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Gansu Provincial People’s Congress, delivered a welcome speech.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun noted that the economic cooperation and trade have long been highlights of ASEAN-China cooperation. It is gratifying to note that ASEAN and China have been each other’s top trading partner for the past 3 consecutive years. Bilateral trade in goods has been expanding, trade in services and mutual investment have flourished. Cooperation in the development of economy and trade parks has continued to advance, industrial and supply chains have been deeply integrated, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and AMS’ development strategies have been more closely aligned. The infrastructure and services related to connectivity such as the rail-sea inter-modal train running along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the China-Laos Railway and cross-border freight train route connecting China and Viet Nam have been in steady and sound performances.

The ACC, as an inter-governmental organization co-established by the 10 AMS and China, stands ready to continue playing the bridging role in actively supporting, promoting and participating in the cooperation and exchanges between Gansu Province and AMS in various fields, and make unremitting efforts to deepen and enrich the future growth of ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

The 29th Lanzhou Fair was co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation, Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Government of Gansu Province.

As one of the Guest Countries of Honor of Lanzhou Fair, Thailand set up a National Pavilion. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun attended the Inauguration Ceremony of the Thai National Pavilion and the China (Gansu) - Thailand Industry Promotion and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Conference. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun also visited the National Pavilions of Indonesia, Malaysia and Viet Nam, and the presentation area for specialized and feature industries in Gansu Province.