Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang Met with Journalists from Southeast Asia and South Asia

On 9 November, 2012, Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang of ACC met with 13 journalists from Southeast Asia and South Asia who are visiting China. Mr. Ma gave a comprehensive introduction on ASEAN-China relations, the achievements that ACC made since its establishment in promoting ASEAN-China cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, education, culture and tourism and ACC's working plan in the future. He also answered questions on ACC operating situation, ASEAN-China trade cooperation, student exchanges between ASEAN and China, and regional cooperation in East Asia.

Secretary-General Ma said that in order to further develop ASEAN-China relations, ASEAN and China should continue to strengthen strategic mutual trust, enhance trade cooperation, accelerate connectivity construction and expand people-to-people contacts.

When talking about incoming ASEAN Summits which is to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Secretary-General Ma believed that the meetings would make a positive signal to the outside world that countries of this region will work together to enhance development, seek cooperation and promote stability and push forward East Asia cooperation. He hoped that the meeting would highlight the theme of development and play a positive role in strengthening regional cooperation in the areas of trade, finance, connectivity and marine issues.

Secretary-General Ma hoped the journalists could make joint efforts with ACC to push forward ASEAN-China relations and regional cooperation in East Asia.