On 18 May 2024, the 2nd Investment & Sci-tech Cooperation Conference and Huzhou Future Conference themed “Beautiful China, Dynamic Huzhou” was held in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) was invited to attend and address the event.  

Shi Zhongjun underlined that, facing complex international landscape, ASEAN and China have worked together to address both regional and global challenges, continuously upgrade economic cooperation and trade between both sides, and demonstrate strong resilience and great potential in economic growth. The trade volume between ASEAN and China continues to grow while investment cooperation between both sides flourishes with vitality, adding new strength to in-depth regional economic integration. ASEAN and Huzhou are enjoying complementary advantages in industry, and should fully draw on the diversified industrial structure and hundred-billion tourism industry, in the purpose of creating more opportunities for conducting cooperation in the emerging areas and advancing integrated cultural tourism between both sides, which also better demonstrates the contribution of “Huzhou experience”.

Vice Chairman Chen Xiaoping of the CPPCC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, Ambassador U Tin Maung Swe of Myanmar to China, Secretary Chen Hao of the CPC Huzhou Municipal Committee also addressed the opening ceremony. Ambassador Somphone Sichaleune of Lao PDR to China, Consul General Chua Teng Hoe of Singapore in Shanghai, Consul General Nguyen The Tung of Vietnam in Shanghai, and more than 900 representatives from Chinese central and local governments, Embassies and Consulates General of ASEAN Member States (AMS), International Organizations, AMS chambers of commerce and enterprises, think tanks and media were present. The Conference witnessed the signing of 110 documents of cooperation with a total value of more than RMB 100 billion.