From 17 to 18 December 2018, under the theme of "Harnessing Technology and Innovation for Resilient SMEs Development", the 2nd ASEAN-China Youth Entrepreneur Forum was held in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Around 150 participants attended the forum, including representatives from governments, small and medium-sized enterprises, think tanks, chambers of commerce of ASEAN countries and China as well as Mission of the People's Republic of China to ASEAN. Ms. Wang Hongliu, Director of General Affairs and Coordination Division of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), attended the Forum and had extensive and in-depth exchanges with the participants.
Mr. Kan Pharidh, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Heng Sokkung, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Industry and Handicraft of Cambodia, Mr. Pin Prakad, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap, Ms. Fang Bing, Counsellor of the Mission of the People's Republic of China to ASEAN, delivered remarks respectively at the forum.
They reviewed the extensive achievements in the fields of politics, economy, trade and cultural exchanges since the establishment of dialogue and strategic partnership between ASEAN and China, highly praised the important contributions made by SMEs to the development of their countries and the region, and expressed hopes that the guiding documents such as "ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development" would help facilitate SMEs in the region to better adapt to international competition, achieve sustainable development and enhance the friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and China.
The participants all agreed that China is the most important and practical partner of ASEAN, and has provided tangible assistance for the development and prosperity of ASEAN. The "leapfrog development" which has been made by China in scientific and technological innovation is of good reference for the SMEs in ASEAN. It was hoped that through this forum, young entrepreneurs from ASEAN countries and China could strengthen exchanges and interaction, encourage the application of advances in science and technology, deepen understanding and put into practice the supporting policies for scientific and technological entrepreneurship in their countries as well as within the framework of ASEAN-China cooperation.
The representative of ACC made presentation upon invitation at the forum, introducing the development of SMEs in China, the successful cases of Chinese enterprises adopting high technology, and major achievements in high-tech cooperation between China and ASEAN countries. She also put forward suggestions for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides and expressed willingness of ACC to strengthen cooperation with all parties and provide platforms to further promote the win-win cooperation and development of SMEs in the region.