The 1st Session of 2018 ACC Joint Executive Board Working Group Meeting Held

On 1 February 2018, the Joint Executive Board (JEB) Working Group Meeting of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) was held at the ACC Secretariat. Representatives from Department of Asian Affairs of Foreign Affairs Ministry of China and Embassies of ASEAN Member States in Beijng attended the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Huang Ying, Director of General Affairs and Coordination Division of ACC. Heads of all divisions of ACC were present. This was the first session of JEB Working Group Meeting held in 2018.

Ms. Huang Ying thanked JEB for its strong support to ACC Secretariat. She noted that 2018 marks the 15th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership and the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation. Seizing the new opportunities of ASEAN-China relations, ACC will maintain close contacts with all members of JEB, and widely listen to suggestions and comments of all parties. By doing so, ACC is committed to well implementing 21 flagship projects approved at the 7th ACC Joint Council Meeting, and making greater contributions to ASEAN-China practical cooperation. 

Mr. Calvin Wong Yun Sheng, First Secretary of the Embassy of Singapore, rotating Chair of ASEAN in 2018, briefed the meeting on the priorities of ASEAN. He stated that Singapore had released the theme of ASEAN, “Resilience and Innovation”, which synchronizes well with the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation, and will create broad prospects for ASEAN-China cooperation. He hoped ACC could carry out more colourful activities to promote practical cooperation in line with the needs of both sides. Mr. Cheng Hongbo, Deputy Director of Regional Cooperation Division of Department of Asian Affairs of Foreign Affairs Ministry of China, updated the participants with the recent development of ASEAN-China relations and China’s relevant working priorities. He emphasized that China looks forward to enhancing communication with ASEAN to jointly formulate China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision 2030, and organize a series of activities to highlight the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership and the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation. By doing so, China wishes to achieve bigger progress in bilateral relations.

Heads of ACC divisions outlined the progress of each division since the 7th Joint Council Meeting held in December 2017 and the work plan for the next stage. Representatives of JEB members commended the tremendous and efficient efforts made by ACC Secretariat, and put forward ideas and suggestions on the implementation of relevant cooperation projects in 2018. They stated that they would continue with full strength their support to and work closely with ACC Secretariat. By doing so, they wished to achieve even more fruitful achievements of ASEAN-China exchanges and cooperation in various fields.