The 2024 ASEAN-CHINA GBA Economic Cooperation (Qianhai) Forum opened on November 13 at the Qianhai International Convention Center in Shenzhen. During the event, representatives from GBA and ASEAN enterprises and chambers of commerce signed 15 projects across catering, biomedicine, real estate, and other sectors, totaling nearly 30 billion RMB.
This forum hosted five sub-forums on "digital transformation, cross-border finance, e-commerce, international chamber presidents, and think tank cooperation." Additionally, the ASEAN Food Culture Week and Cultural Concert were launched on the sidelines, offering diverse cultural exchange experiences.
Shenzhen, a crucial hub between China and ASEAN, inaugurated the "ASEAN-CHINA GBA Economic Cooperation Forum" in 2023 and settled it as an annual event. Over the past year, bilateral cooperation has yielded significant results, notably through the GBA-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce Alliance, which has participated in over 50 events from the two sides and gradually formed the model of "GBA R&D + ASEAN Production + Global Sales."
Forum participants have actively promoted trade and investment projects, driving trade valued at over 30 billion RMB and investments totaling nearly 5 billion RMB.
Jointly hosted by the China-ASEAN Center and Shenzhen Municipal Government, with Qianhai Authority, Shenzhen University, and Guangdong High-Tech Industry Chamber of Commerce as co-hosts, the forum attracted over a thousand representatives from governments, chambers, think tanks, and entrepreneurs.
China-ASEAN Center Secretary-General Shi Zhongjun said that the organization plans to explore more development models, focusing on industries and expanding cooperation to deepen bilateral economic ties.
Government representatives from Thailand, Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines shared their countries' economic and social development experiences and visions for deepening cooperation with China, especially Shenzhen, during keynote speeches.
The forum also initiated an education exchange program named "2024 GBA-ASEAN Study Support Program." The program aims to enhance international exchanges and attract overseas talent to study in Shenzhen. From 2025, at least eight ASEAN students will annually receive funding for master's degrees in Shenzhen, injecting new vitality into bilateral education exchanges and cooperation.
Reporter | Cai Minling, Zhang Wei
Editor | Huang Qini, James, Shen He
Photo | Qianhai Authority
