ASEAN-China Centre participated in ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Forum

2013 in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on 4-5 September 2013. The Forum was hosted by the Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Centre (CAECF), China-ASEAN Expo Secretariat and the ASEAN Secretariat. The event was part of the 10th CAEXPO in Nanning. Participants were high-level officials and representatives from ASEAN Member States and China, experts and academics from various environmental institutes and universities, as well as representatives from business and private sector.

The main theme of the Forum was “Building up Partnership for Regional Green Transformation”, focusing on (1) promoting green development transformation, (2) exchanging information on policies and best practices on green development transformation in the region, (3) establishing partnership for green development transformation among the governments, and (4) enhancing environmental industry cooperation with relevant private sector.

Ms. Lada Phumas, Director of Information and Public Relations of ACC, emphasized an importance of environmental protection and cooperation as the 11th priority area of cooperation in ASEAN-China relations. The issue has gained increasing attention in light of the current rapid economic and social development at national, regional and international level. In addition, it has been related to other social issues which may have direct and/or indirect impacts on people. Ms Lada Phumas also took the opportunity to brief the forum on the specific roles and functions of ACC in enhancing ASEAN-China relations.

This high-level policy dialogue Forum was convened timely to concretely enhance constructive roles of China in interacting with ASEAN Member States as 2013 marks the 10th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership. The Forum has become a significant platform to explore innovative ways to enhance ASEAN-China environmental cooperation, establish partnership and promote green development in the region since 2011.