Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang Attended ASEAN-China Cultural Forum

On 10 September 2013, ASEAN-China Cultural Forum, co-hosted by Chinese Culture Ministry and Provincial Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, supported by ASEAN-China Centre, was inaugurated in Nanning, Guangxi. About 120 personnel, including the cultural officials of 10 ASEAN Member States, ASEAN and China experts on intangible cultural heritage joined the forum. At the opening ceremony, Mr. Li Kang, Deputy Chairman of Guangxi Autonomous Region welcomed the distinguished guests, Mr. Dong Wei, Deputy Culture Minister delivered thematic reports and Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang made remarks on ACC's roles and tasks.

Secretary-General Ma highlighted that as the only inter-governmental organization between ASEAN and China, ACC made consistent efforts to promote ASEAN-China cultural exchanges. 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage adopted by UNESCO as well as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership. It is not only the requirement for culture development of every country, but also the common desire for both China and ASEAN Member States to strengthen the cooperation in the area of intangible cultural heritage. Since its establishment, ACC has carried out many practical activities including holding Seminar on Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage in ASEAN and China. ACC would like to join hands with the Governments, academies and peoples of its member states to push forward this significant work.

ASEAN-China Cultural Forum is one of the important mechanisms and platforms between ASEAN and China on cultural dialogue and cooperation and it is also a famous brand of ASEAN-China cultural exchanges. The forum has successfully convened for 7 times. As a supporting organization, ACC attended this year's forum and made broad contacts and discussions with officials and experts of participating countries.