The 2nd ASEAN-China Conference on Sustainable Development Cooperation takes place in Huzhou, Zhejiang province on May 18. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

The 2nd ASEAN-China Conference on Sustainable Development Cooperation took place in Huzhou, Zhejiang province on May 18, with the goal of injecting fresh impetus into fostering practical and amicable collaboration between China and ASEAN.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Tin Maung Swe, Myanmar ambassador to China; Somphone Sichaleune, Lao ambassador to China; Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the China-ASEAN Centre; Hong Hupeng, mayor of Huzhou; and Yu Hong, ambassador from the Asian Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his address, Sichaleune reaffirmed Myanmar's dedication to promoting sustainable development and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation between China and ASEAN. He highlighted how the ASEAN-China Conference on Sustainable Development Cooperation served as a platform for exchanging innovative practices and advanced experiences in sustainable development, fostering a conducive environment to realize a shared vision for sustainable growth.

Shi emphasized Huzhou's pivotal role as a hub for green, low-carbon innovation, underscoring its unique advantages in collaborating with ASEAN nations, especially in burgeoning sectors such as new energy vehicles, intelligent logistics equipment, biomedicine, and green energy. He also stressed the importance of seizing cooperation opportunities in the digital economy domain for mutual benefit.

Hong extended a warm welcome to the attendees, affirming Huzhou's commitment to deepening friendly exchanges and cooperation with all ASEAN members within the China-ASEAN cooperation framework. He specifically highlighted areas of focus such as digital transformation, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. The mayor pledged to enhance practical cooperation, share experiences, jointly chart a path towards sustainable development, and contribute local efforts to bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and ASEAN.