On 21 May 2025, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), in collaboration with the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Ningxia), co-hosted the 2nd ASEAN-China (Ningxia) Economic and Trade Conference in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Autonomous Region. Vice Chairman Zheng Zhen of the Ningxia Autonomous Regional Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Secretary General H.E. Shi Zhongjun of the ACC attended and addressed the opening ceremony. Over 200 representatives from enterprises, think tanks, and media organizations across China and ASEAN member states participated in the event.

Shi Zhongjun stated that the story of China and ASEAN joining hands for development and win-win cooperation has always been a model for regional collaboration worldwide. The two sides have maintained each other's largest trading partner for five consecutive years, with cumulative two-way investment exceeding $400 billion. The full implementation of RCEP and the conclusion of the CAFTA 3.0 version negotiations will further unleash cooperation potential in emerging fields such as green economy and digital economy. In this process, Ningxia and ASEAN countries have continuously taken solid steps in mutually beneficial cooperation, with complementary advantages and highly aligned market demands. The ACC is willing to continue working with Ningxia's business community to help align policy trends and industrial needs between Ningxia and ASEAN Member States, seeking new cooperation opportunities.

Zheng Zhen stated that ASEAN remains Ningxia's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade accounting for 16.9% of Ningxia's total foreign trade volume in 2024, demonstrating robust growth momentum and promising prospects for economic cooperation. He noted that Ningxia, boasting abundant resources, has seen vigorous development in pillar industries including clean energy, green food products, and specialty agriculture. Expressing commitment to deeper collaboration, he affirmed Ningxia's readiness to leverage this event as a platform for strengthening exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN partners. 

Director Mohamad Adris Bin Abu Bakar of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Chengdu Representative Office, delivered a video address to the conference. He noted that Malaysia-Ningxia bilateral trade volume reached $97.9 million in 2024, still having significant growth potential. He hoped this conference would open a new chapter of win-win cooperation between the two sides.

The conference released "Efficacy and Recommendations on Empowering Ningxia's Open Economy through FTA", offering practical solutions for streamlining supply-demand coordination and optimizing FTA trade rules. CCPIT Ningxia presented qualifying enterprises with the "CCPIT Geographical Indication Product Brand Certification" and "CCPIT Credit-Brand Integration Certification Plaque", marking official recognition of their credential standard during the conference.

A concurrent trade exhibition showcased Ningxia's specialty products, with goji berry-based products, premium wines, high-quality vegetables, health supplements, and Tan sheep products, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. The conference yielded fruitful outcomes, with Ningxia and ASEAN enterprises concluding 44 contracted cooperation projects totaling over 4 billion yuan.

On the afternoon of 21 May 2025, Shi Zhongjun and delegates conducted a field visit to Ningxia Wolfberry Industry Co., Ltd., gaining firsthand insights into local green food production sector.