On 12 August 2024, the opening ceremony of ASEAN-China Week (ACW) 2024 was successfully held in Changzhi City of Shanxi Province, under the co-sponsorship of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and the People’s Government of Shanxi Province. Around 300 senior government officials, diplomatic envoys, media representatives, business leaders and youth communities from both ASEAN countries and China participated in the event. More than 5 million viewers followed the opening ceremony online, which was broadcast live with texts and photos. 

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC presided over the ceremony. Vice President Khambay Damlath of the Lao National Assembly, Minister Dr. Thet Thet Khine of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, Minister Neth Pheaktra of Information of Cambodia, Former Vice President Hu Zhengyue of the Chinese Public Diplomacy Association, Deputy Secretary General Nararya S. Soeprapto for Community and Corporate Affairs of ASEAN and Secretary Chen Erdong of the CPC Changzhi Municipal Committee attended and addressed the ceremony. Vice President Yuan Mindao of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Acting Secretary-General You Xiaowen of the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center were also present at the ceremony.

Shi Zhongjun opened the ceremony by reading out the congratulatory message from H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China. In his following opening remarks, Shi Zhongjun highlighted that the strong and enduring relations between ASEAN and China have resulted in strong economic ties, cultural exchanges and a comprehensive strategic partnership. He stressed that a productive and prosperous ASEAN-China partnership has bearings on regional stability, global economic recovery, sustainable development and sets a model for international relations. He also looked forward to the upcoming ASEAN-China Week 2024 activities strengthening this significant relationship and partnership towards a brighter future. 

Vice President Khambay spoke highly of the significance of the ACW2024, particularly its outstanding contribution to innovation and green technology. He underlined that remarkable achievements in ASEAN-China practical cooperation encourage the Lao PDR to make its due contribution to the building of ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and uphold the principle of equality in securing mutually beneficial cooperation. Vice President Khambay also expressed Laos’ willingness to explore new opportunities for collaboration, realizing shared prosperity through innovation and further advancing cooperation with breadth and depth to address future challenges and opportunities.

Union Minister Thet Thet Khine emphasized that the enduring and evolving partnership between ASEAN and China calls for more cooperation featuring innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness in the post-pandemic era and highlights the significance of building a dynamic and resilient tourism system, which contributes to a sound and stable economic recovery.

Minister Neth Pheaktra underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening ASEAN-China relations and applauded the role of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Cambodia’s development. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s dedication to fostering collaboration in areas like digital economy and green technologies towards an interconnected and prosperous region.

Former Vice President Hu Zhengyue underlined the deep cultural exchange potential between China and ASEAN, particularly in the areas of tourism and people-to-people exchanges, encouraging both sides to strengthen cooperation in culture, education and youth exchanges and pointing out the significant potential of Shanxi Province in promoting these exchanges between ASEAN and China.

Deputy Secretary General Nararya emphasized the significance of ACW2024 bridging the strong and evolving partnership between ASEAN and China. He underscored the importance of innovation, digital connectivity, sustainable practices and human capital development in driving economic growth and cooperation.

Secretary Chen Erdong expressed his deep honor in hosting ACW this year and emphasized that Changzhi City is actively pursuing international collaboration with ASEAN countries and he looked forward to substantive and sustained cooperation be secured in such fields as culture, tourism and education.

The opening ceremony also witnessed the official launching of the ASEAN-China Import and Export Service Platform (ACIESP) and unveiling of the ACC mascot, Panda Mengmeng.