In the purpose of further strengthening understanding of ASEAN Member States (AMS) towards economic growth and social progress in China and facilitating ASEAN-China cooperation in various fields, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) headed a delegation of officials from 7 AMS Embassies in Beijing on a field visit from 9 to 15 July 2023 to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The diplomats based in Beijing from Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam joined the trip. Secretary General Yu Yunfeng of China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) attended relevant events.

During the visit, the delegation was received by Vice Governor Kaiser Abdukerim of Xinjiang Government. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun commented that Xinjiang is home to rich natural resources and diversified culture with sound achievements on both economic and social fronts, while enjoying similarities and complementary advantage with AMS in multiple aspects. The trip aims to better introduce Xinjiang to AMS, so as to cultivate the foundation for further cooperation. As the only inter-governmental organization co-established by governments of 10 AMS and China, the ACC is willing to serve as the bridging platform to promote mutual understanding and pragmatic cooperation between AMS and Xinjiang, adding fresh impetus into the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership. 

Vice Governor Kaiser Abdukerim warmly welcomed the delegation and introduced that Xinjiang has realized stable economic and social development with people from multiple ethnic groups living and working in contentment. Looking forward, Xinjiang will accelerate its modernization supported by eight industrial clusters, including oil and gas, coal-related industry, green mining, grain and oil, cotton and textile, organic fruits and vegetables, livestock, new energy and materials, and stands ready to conduct productive cooperation with AMS in an efficient and effective manner. 

On 10 July, a work meeting was held between the delegation, Xinjiang Department of Education and 15 universities and vocational colleges in the region. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun encouraged the parties to make the best use of their respective strength to strike cooperation in pragmatic fields such as faculty and student exchanges, joint degree and research programmes. 

On 13 July, the delegation held a seminar with Xinjiang Department of Culture and Tourism. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun applauded both Xinjiang and AMS boasting rich cultural and tourism resources, and promised the ACC’s continued efforts in further facilitating people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning through promoting the growth of relevant industries. 

The delegation also paid field visits to multiple universities and vocational colleges in Xinjiang, global leading TBEA Co., Ltd., the Khorgos Port and semiconductor company, local natural and cultural sites. This trip has allowed members of the delegation to see for themselves the social and economic development, the beauty and charm of Xinjiang, and pave the way for further cooperation in education, culture and tourism, economy and trade, science and technology, agriculture and energy.