On 23 November 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) attended and addressed the opening ceremony of 2023 Sichuan-Chongqing Region & Mekong Countries Sub-National Cooperation Forum in Chongqing, which proceeded under the theme “Nourished by the Same River, Jointly Build the Path to Prosperity”. High level officials from Mekong countries attended the forum.

In his remarks, Secretary General Shi stressed that the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) has evolved into a golden model for regional cooperation between Mekong Countries and China. Under the Lancang-Mekong spirit “Shared River, Shared Prosperity”, LMC member states have exemplified shared development, mutually-beneficial cooperation, improved livelihoods, and the pursuit of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.  

The Chengdu-Chongqing region, strategically positioned within the Belt and Road Initiative, is set to become a key hub in the supply chain network, which could leverage the new international land-sea trade corridor to drive enhanced trade, commerce and robust economic growth, and play a pivotal role in advancing progress in central and western regions of China. LMC member states should make full use of their location advantages through improving the level of connectivity, enhancing transportation infrastructure, leveraging the benefits of full implementation of RCEP and progressing of negotiations on Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and prioritizing cross-border trade, investment, innovation, technology exchange, and collaboration in the digital economy.