On 27 August 2023, “Grab a Bite of the Free Trade Port – Hainan & ASEAN Culture and Food Exchange Fair” was successfully held at the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) Secretariat. The event was co-sponsored by the Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) of Hainan Province, Embassy of Indonesia in China, the ACC and the Hainan Broadcasting Group. H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC, Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim and Minister Counselor Irwansyah Mukhlis of the Indonesian Embassy, Director General Dai Zhen of the FAO of Hainan Province and more than 100 representatives from the Embassies of ASEAN Member States (AMS), Chinese government agencies and ASEAN and Chinese media attended the event.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun stated in his speech that ASEAN and Hainan enjoy geographical proximity and cultural affinity with a long history of friendly exchanges. As the ASEAN-China cooperation is thriving, the Hainan Free Trade Port will bring into full play its geographical and opening-up advantages to advance cooperation between ASEAN and China to an even higher level and facilitate regional economic integration. The ACC will continue to serve as the bridge and contribute more to deepening practical cooperation between AMS and Chinese local governments in various fields.

Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim Irwansyah Mukhlis appreciated the importance of this event to increasing exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN and Hainan.  He said that cooperation potential between the two sides should be fully tapped into, including through the synergy of cooperation between important trade ports in the region. He hoped that more ASEAN products can be encouraged to enter the markets in Hainan and entire China. Director General Dai Zhen said that Hainan, which connects the two of the most dynamic markets in China and Southeast Asia, will help set up headquarters for companies from both sides and promote connectivity and mutual learning between regional free trade ports to further enhance cooperation with ASEAN. The guests also watched the promotional video on Hainan Free Trade Port.

Through intangible cultural heritage performance, food fair and photo exhibition, the event shows the unique charm of Hainan Province and the achievements of Free Trade Port development. Guests from AMS and China exchanged ideas in a delightful atmosphere, enjoying the cultural and food feast, and sharing the beautiful vision of ASEAN-China relations.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun also gave interviews to Chinese and ASEAN media including Hainan TV and Antara News Agency.