On 24 April 2024, the 1st Joint Executive Board (JEB) Working Group Meeting of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) of 2024 was held in Beijing, co-chaired by DCM and Counsellor Phouva Samounty of the Embassy of Lao PDR in China and Counsellor Xu Jing of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of China. The representatives from the MFA of China and Embassies of the ASEAN Member States (AMS) in China as well as the persons-in-charge of the ACC divisions were present.  

Counsellor Phouva applauded the ACC’s irreplaceable role in deepening ASEAN-China cooperation and exchanges in various fields, promoting common development between both sides and advancing the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership in an in-depth and substantive manner. As the rotating chair of ASEAN, the Lao side stands ready to work with the AMS and China to promote a closer community with a shared future, improve regional connectivity, bridge development gaps, promote regional economic integration and build the region into a place blessed with peace, stability and development. The Lao side has full confidence in the ACC’s capable role in carrying out a variety of activities under the framework of the 2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges (ACYPPE), which will enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and cement the foundation for and garner public support to practical cooperation between ASEAN and China.

Counsellor Xu spoke highly of the ACC’s contribution to the development of ASEAN-China relations, and underlined that China has always viewed ASEAN as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and attaches great importance to deepening cooperation with ASEAN in various fields. She looked forward to the ACC staying committed to its bridge role as a one-stop information and activity centre, materializing the ACYPPE through themed programs and innovative ideas, and organizing more activities by mobilizing social resources, so as to promote mutual understanding and win-win cooperation between ASEAN and China, add strength to future cooperation in such emerging areas as digital economy, NEVs, and e-commerce, and inject new impetus into ASEAN-China cooperation.

The persons-in-charge of the ACC divisions briefed the Meeting on the progress of its work since the 13th Joint Council Meeting and its plans in the near future, and expressed appreciation to the JEB members for the latter’s sustained support. The ACC side stressed that ASEAN-China relations have maintained a momentum of dynamic growth, which has ensured continued stability and positive development in our region and the world at large. As 2024 is the year of ACYPPE, the ACC will continue to implement the important consensus reached by leaders from both sides. Under the guidance of the JC and JEB, the ACC will work closely with the Embassies of AMS in China to deepen practical cooperation and enhance mutual understanding between both sides, and contribute to building a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future. 

The JEB members appreciated the ACC’s industrious endeavors, and shared their recommendations on the implementation of concrete projects in 2024. The JEB members pledged their always full support to and close collaboration with the ACC, contributing to the exchanges and cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, education, culture, tourism, and media.