On 26 April 2024, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) hosted Dialogue for a Better Understanding of China at Beijing Geely Representative Office. Executive Dean Dr. Wang Wen of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies of Renmin University of China and Senior Vice President Victor Yang of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group shared their thoughts on the outcomes of China’s Two Sessions, new quality productive forces and high-quality development of China with the audience. Ambassador Dato' Norman Muhamad of Malaysia to China, diplomats from the Embassies of ASEAN Member States (AMS) in China, as well as representatives from the Department of Asian Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China were present. 

Shi Zhongjun mentioned that the ACC put up this dialogue to invite AMS diplomats to walk into Geely Group and get an in-depth understanding of China’s strategy in development, share experience in success and enhance mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, drawing on the insights and perspectives shared by both academic and business sectors. At present, the growth momentum of the world economy has gradually lost its steam. New quality productive forces will not only benefit China but also contribute to regional and global development. As the twin engines driving the post-pandemic economic rebound in the Asia-Pacific and partners for common development, both ASEAN and China should seize the opportunities brought by the latest round of industrial revolution characterized by artificial intelligence, green transformation, information technology and biotechnology to tap potential in emerging industries cooperation and usher in a new era for regional integration.

Ambassador Norman appreciated the ACC’s efforts in organizing such dialogues. He emphasized the significance of these events for AMS in understanding China’s policies and priorities and its future orientation of economic growth. The Two Sessions in 2024 have further proven to the world China’s determination and confidence in advancing its high-quality development, which will bring profound impact on optimizing global human capital, promoting technological innovation and benefiting the peoples all over the world. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. Geely’s project in Malaysia well stands testimony to Malaysia-China cooperation in emerging industries. Malaysia and other AMS are willing to take this chance to join hands with China in expanding high-quality cooperation and sharing high-quality development dividends.

In the Q&A section, AMS diplomats had a heated interaction with the Chinese academic and enterprise representatives, discussing opportunities and challenges brought by new quality productive forces to ASEAN-China cooperation, the impact of new quality productive forces on labor-intensive industries, whether overcapacity existing in NEV sector, and the manufacturing of NEV batteries. After the dialogue, AMS diplomats were invited to a on-site presentation of Geely’s latest NEV products.