On 9 April, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), in collaboration with Henan Provincial Government, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, co-hosted the opening ceremony of ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-people Exchanges. Deputy Governor Sun Yunfeng of Henan Province, the ACC Secretary General Shi Zhongjun, CPAFFC Vice President Yan Dong, Ambassador Yu Hong of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Ambassador Somphone Sichaleune of Lao PDR to China, Secretary of State Prak Phannara of Tourism of Cambodia, and Vice Mayor Ma Zhifeng of Zhengzhou City addressed the ceremony. Ambassador Dr. Soeung Rathchavy of Cambodia to China, Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz of the Philippines to China, and diplomats from other AMS embassies in China were also present. As one of the feature activities under the framework of 2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges (ACYPPE), the event attracted more than 300 representatives from AMS diplomatic missions in China, government agencies, enterprises, and chambers of commerce from both AMS and China.  

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun spoke highly of the long-standing cultural links and economic exchanges between AMS and Henan, highlighted substantial growth achieved in trade and investment between both sides, and applauded success stories such as Henan’s local brands gaining popularity in ASEAN markets and the increasing quality goods and services shared between China and its ASEAN neighbors. Looking ahead, Secretary General Shi expressed firm confidence in Henan as a key player in facilitating closer and stronger ties between ASEAN and China. He reaffirmed the ACC’s pivotal role as a facilitator and contributor in further enhancing cooperation and exchanges in various fields including tourism, education, culture and youth engagement.

Ambassador Somphone spoke, on behalf of AMS diplomatic missions in China, that ASEAN stands out as the closest neighbor and important dialogue partner for China, while China has been consistently supporting ASEAN centrality in advancing regional cooperation and integration. ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership will undoubtedly contribute more to our common aspiration for shared prosperity.

Vice Governor Sun Yunfeng stressed that Henan attaches great importance to friendly exchanges with ASEAN countries, and the ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-people Exchanges shall be an significant opportunity to secure more fruits of multifaceted cooperation and exchanges between Henan and ASEAN countries, and contribute in Henan’s capacity to the sustained growth of ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership. 

The invited dignitaries and participants also attended such parallel activities as the Exhibition of People-to-people Exchanges, the ASEAN-China (Henan) Youth Innovation Exchange Conference, the ASEAN-China (Henan) Forum on International Communication, planting of friendship trees at the Zhengzhou Botanic Garden, and food festivals featuring ASEAN cuisine. 

On 8 April 2024, Executive Deputy Governor Sun Shougang of Henan Province met with the invited AMS diplomatic envoys in Zhengzhou.