On 17 August 2023, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), in collaboration with the Government of Yunnan Province, co-sponsored the 5th China-Southeast Asia Business Forum in Kunming. H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the Forum. As a crucial activity of the 7th China-South Asia Expo, the Forum attracted more than 400 representatives from government agencies, chambers of commerce and enterprises from both ASEAN Member States (AMS) and China for in-depth discussions and exchange of views on cooperation.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun stated that given its geographic proximity, ASEAN occupies a central position in the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI. In the past decade, ASEAN and China have achieved fruitful results in various fields. Since 2017, the ACC has co-sponsored every session of the China-Southeast Asia Business Forum. It is expected this year’s forum will inject new vitality into the coordinated development of this region.

At the opening ceremony, H.E. Vice Governor Na Yunde of Yunnan Province introduced cooperation achievements between Yunnan and ASEAN in the fields of trade, investment and connectivity. H.E. Minister Aung Naing Oo of Myanmar Ministry of Commerce elaborated how the development of Myanmar-China relations has played a driving role in constantly deepening ASEAN-China cooperation. Representatives from ASEAN chambers of commerce, Chinese local governments and enterprises proposed recommendations on seizing opportunities to promote ASEAN-China relations in the new era.

On 16 August, Secretary General Shi attended the opening ceremony of the 7th China-South Asia Expo and the 27th China Kunming Import and Export Fair. During the stay in Kunming, Secretary General Shi met with Vice Governor Yang Bin of Yunnan Province and had discussion about further strengthening exchanges between the ACC and Yunnan Province, and promoting cooperation between AMS and Yunnan Province in various fields.