ACC Secretary-General Met with Under Secretary for the Home Affairs Bureau of the Government of HKSAR

On 26 July 2016, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC)，met with Ms. Florence HUI Hiu-fai, Under Secretary for Home Affairs Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and exchanged views on strengthening cultural and youth cooperation between ASEAN and China and between ASEAN and HK. Ms. Maggie Pang, Chief Manager of Cultural Services Branch of Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Government of HKSAR attended the meeting.

Secretary-General Yang Xiuping said that 2016 marked the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations. Both sides enjoyed sustainable and in-depth development in cultural cooperation. In 2014 both sides held over 100 cultural activities during the ASEAN-China Year of Cultural Exchange, significantly promoting the understanding and friendship between the people. Secretary-General Yang outlined ACC's work in promoting ASEAN-China cultural cooperation, saying that among the 19 flagship projects implemented by ACC in 2016, three of them were cultural. Beijing Cultural Tour in ASEAN in Singapore and Thailand co-sponsored by ACC, the Gala to commemorate the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations in Jakarta and the 1st ASEAN Gourmet Festival and the Group Exhibition of ASEAN-China Academies of Fine Arts co-hosted by ACC had deepened cultural understanding and appreciation between ASEAN and China. ACC would strengthen communication with the Home Affairs Bureau of the Government of HKSAR and jointly host colourful activities to enhance mutual understanding between ASEAN and Hong Kong and contribute more to ASEAN-China friendly exchange.

Under Secretary Florence HUI Hiu-fai spoke highly of ACC's role in advancing ASEAN-China practical cooperation and gave a brief on cultural and youth exchange between ASEAN and Hong Kong. She said, since 2012 the Home Affairs Bureau of HKSAR, as a member of Chinese delegation, attended 10+1 and 10+3 Cultural Ministers Meeting. Hong Kong had signed Cultural Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam. Hong Kong also invited cultural officials of ASEAN countries to attend the Forum on Asian Cultural Cooperation and ASEAN artists to the Asian Art Festival. Hong Kong's music, movies and kung fu novels were in great demand in ASEAN markets. ASEAN and Hong Kong boasted great cooperation potential in this regard. Hong Kong actively supported youth exchange with ASEAN and encouraged young people to find internship, do voluntary work and start business to make young people understand ASEAN countries' history, culture, society and people. By so doing, young people could broaden their horizons and cultivate abilities. The Home Affairs Bureau of HKSAR would give full play to Hong Kong's unique advantages, tap cooperation potential and strengthen information communication with ACC. It would be an active participator in youth programmes of culture and arts hosted by ACC to contribute to the positive outcomes of cultural and youth cooperation between ASEAN and China and between ASEAN and Hong Kong.