On 21 July 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) paid a courtesy call on H.E. Union Minister U Aung Thaw for Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar in Nay Pyi Taw. Director General Mr. Laing Oo and Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Laing Min for Ministry of Hotels and Tourism were also present.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun said that the ACC, as an intergovernmental organization co-founded by 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) and China, has long been committed to promoting tourism exchanges and cooperation between both sides. Myanmar boasts rich natural endowments and tourism resources, and enjoys promising prospects and great potential for tourism development. The ACC stands ready to continue playing an active bridging role in terms of implementing more tailor-made tourism investment and promotion activities in line with Myanmar’s actual needs, strengthening Chinese language skills training for Myanmar tourism practitioners, and creating quality tourism environment, so as to better enhance mutual understanding between China and AMS with Myanmar included, and contribute to the regional economic recovery in post-pandemic era.

Aung Thaw welcomed Secretary General Shi’s visit to Myanmar, and applauded Myanmar and China as good neighbours, good friends and good partners. He stressed that, during the pandemic, China took the lead in rendering needy help to Myanmar, supporting Myanmar in securing economic and social development to tide over the difficulties, of which Myanmar has always been appreciative. In the post-epidemic era, China’s economy remains stable and gathers momentum of recovery, spearheading the post-pandemic recovery for both the region and the world. As Myanmar’s important source of tourists, China has the experience, capability and resources to help Myanmar continue to develop and revitalise its tourism industry. Myanmar sincerely looks forward to hosting Chinese tourists, further strengthening people-to-people exchanges between Myanmar and China under the new circumstances, pooling public support to Myanmar-China relations.