The 2024 ASEAN-China (Qingdao) Event of Economic and Trade Cooperation and People-to-People Exchanges took place on the morning of July 23 with the theme New Quality, New Journey, Moving Forward Together where diplomats, business representatives, and entrepreneurs from ASEAN countries gathered to discuss future cooperation.

Vice Governor of Shandong Deng Yunfeng, Secretary General of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) Shi Zhongjun, CPC Qingdao Municipal Committee Deputy Party Secretary and Mayor of Qingdao Zhao Haozhi, and Central Executive Committee Member of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) U Khin Maung Myat attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

Deng Yunfeng extended a warm welcome to the guests, highlighting Shandong's status as a major province in terms of population, culture, resources, and economy where its rich cultural heritage, strategic transportation advantages, strong industrial foundation, and dynamic development potential jointly reflect the deep connections shared between Shandong and ASEAN as shown through the mutual cultural ties and commercial links. He highlighted the province's commitment to realizing President Xi Jinping's vision of a closer China-ASEAN community, pointing out the strong progress in economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges with ASEAN in recent years. Looking ahead, Deng expressed his hopes for Shandong to expand comprehensive, multi-field cooperation with ASEAN for mutual advancements in industry, trade, and cultural exchange through Shandong's dedication to achieving higher levels of mutual benefit and contributing to the deepening of China-ASEAN friendly cooperation.

In his speech, Shi Zhongjun stated that 2024 marks the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges and is a pivotal year for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership and advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He encouraged participating entrepreneurs to fully utilize the platform provided by the event for open dialogue and active inquiry to lay a solid foundation for any investments and business ventures in target countries. The ACC, an intergovernmental organization established by China and the 10 ASEAN countries, serves as an information hub and bridge that provides quality services to contribute to creating a closer China-ASEAN community.

Zhao Haozhi reiterated Qingdao's strength as a major coastal city in China and a key node in the BRI where its prominent geographical advantages, robust industrial foundation, distinctive openness, and appeal as a place to live, work, and visit show how the entire city is vigorously implementing President Xi's important directives during his visit to Shandong with a focus on deepening reform and opening up and accelerating the development of a modern international metropolis. ASEAN is a crucial economic and trade partner for Qingdao and a priority in expanding high-level international openness and this event would be an opportunity to strengthen key industry connections, expand bilateral trade, and deepen exchanges in technology, education, and culture for more fruitful cooperation outcomes ahead.

The event featured presentations from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand, as well as special promotions by the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, the Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and the Qingdao Guoxin Development Group.

Attendees were also treated to exhibits showcasing Qingdao's distinctive industries and the "Treasures of ASEAN" artisan market, the "Impressions of ASEAN" picture book exhibition, and the "Light and Shadow of ASEAN" visual exhibition.

Deng Yunfeng was in a meeting reception with the prominent guests of the event on the night before.

Qingdao city official Zhao Yan was also present to participate in related activities.