On 15 November, the 2024 World Maritime Equipment Conference, themed "Carrying the Dreams of Humanity to New Horizons", was held in Fuzhou City of Fujian Province. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) was invited to attend and address the opening ceremony. Vice Chairman He Baoxiang of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Secretary Zhou Zuyi of the Fujian Provincial CPC Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee, Governor Zhao Long of Fujian Province, Deputy Minister Xin Guobin of Industry and Information Technology of China, Deputy Minister Li Yang of Transport of China, Secretary of State Eang Vengsun for Public Works and Transport of Cambodia also addressed the audience. Over 400 diplomats based in China, government representatives as well as professionals from business, academia and media of various countries were also present.

     Shi Zhongjun underlined that the oceans, taking up the broadest domains on the earth, hold the key to securing sustainable development for the countries all across the world. Revitalizing the maritime economy, protecting marine ecology, and making the best use of marine resources are not only essential to the common interests of all regional countries, but also represent shared responsibilities and pursuit of all regional countries. Deepening ASEAN-China maritime cooperation will not only enhance our common endeavors in advancing blue economy partnership, but also bring tangible benefits to the peoples on both sides.
     Shi Zhongjun pointed out that as an important platform for deepening ASEAN-China pragmatic cooperation, the ACC always commits itself to implementing the strategic consensus between our leaders, and expanding cooperation in emerging fields with emphasis put on promoting policy coordination and experience sharing related to the growth of blue economy. The ACC stands ready to continue collaboration with Fujian Province and ASEAN Member States to create more exchange activities and tap cooperation opportunities on emerging industries related to marine energy, maritime infrastructure development, marine ecological protection, marine cultural exchanges and maritime science and technology research between ASEAN and China, so as to contribute greater “blue” strength to the inclusive and sustainable economic development in the region.
     At the Conference, the participants from various countries exchanges views on such topics as high-end, smart and green maritime equipment, low-carbon and eco-friendly shipping, future shipping technologies, as well as self-piloting and automatic navigation system, and came up with recommendations for ASEAN-China maritime cooperation under the new circumstances of green transformation and technological innovation.
 
     On the sidelines of the Conference, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun met with Vice Governor Wang Jinfu of Fujian Province  and  Mayor Wu Xiande of Fuzhou City. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening the ACC’s role in better facilitating practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between AMS and Fujian Province.