From 27 to 29 November, a series of exchange activities on "Belt and Road - Rural Revitalization - Cultural Exchanges", organized by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) in cooperation with China Media Group (CMG), was successfully launched in Chuanwang Village, Qionglai City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

At the invitation of the ACC, a delegation led by Ambassador Somphone Sichaleune of Lao PDR to China attended the event and made a field visit to experience China's rural revitalization.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC accompanied Ambassador Somphone and the delegates to visit local collective economy industries and inspect the national-level modern seed industry park. They also had a warm exchange with local villagers, including the centenarians who live there. Throughout the visit, the delegates gained a deep understanding of Qionglai's practices and achievements in rural revitalization, modern agriculture, distinctive tourism and ecological construction. Furthermore, the delegation went to local middle school and interacted with teachers and students, learning about the distinctive practices in aspects such as quality education and promoting education through science and technology. 

 "The exchanges gave us a more intuitive understanding of China's great achievements in rural revitalization, and that the experience is of great relevance to the developing countries, including Laos" said Ambassador Somphone.

During the visit, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun was invited to give an exclusive interview to China Central Television (CCTV). He stressed that such exchange activities are conducive to promoting mutual learning and mutual promotion between ASEAN and China in terms of rural revitalization. The ACC is willing to continue to tap advantageous resources, build beneficial platforms, and encourage ASEAN countries to engage in more practical cooperation with local provinces and cities in China in areas such as smart agriculture, rural cultural tourism, poverty reduction and alleviation, and sustainable development, so as to bring more benefits to people's livelihoods on both sides.