1-3 August 2021 | YIWU – CELEBRATING the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, Yiwu Municipal People’s Government launched “Run with Yiwu to ASEAN,” which lasted 1-3 August 2021, with the aim to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Yiwu and ASEAN. It was special series of activities from dialogues to the exhibition.
Talks with Diplomatic Delegation
A diplomatic delegation from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, the Philippines, and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian or ASEAN paid a visit to Yiwu. Mayor Wang Jian held talks with H.E. Ambassador Arthayudh Srisamoot from Royal Thai Embassy to China. It was stressed by both parties that China and ASEAN have been the largest trading partner of each other but there is still great potential on further economic cooperation and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Launching Ceremony and First Lecture
Supported by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), ASEAN-China Center, and Department of Foreign Affairs of Zhejiang Province, this event, in a hybrid form, was attended by more than 130 diplomats, representatives from intergovernmental organisations, and young people from ASEAN countries.
Following the launching ceremony, the first lecture was delivered on international trade, cross-border e-commerce, and business start-ups in Yiwu, attracting programme members, who showed great interests and passion, to interact with a battery of valuable questions. Many youths, though participating via video link, spoke highly of this event.
Live-Streaming Green Hand
Given that live-streaming commerce has become extremely popular both in China and beyond, this programme prepared the opportunity to experience being an internet celebrity with thousands of audiences for the programme members who attended the event in person. Competing with each other, they played all their cards to sell ASEAN products ranging from snacks, gadgets, and coffee to rubber pillows in order to win the contest.
Exhibition of ASEAN Selected Goods
Laying emphasis on import trading with the world, Yiwu has built up a designated international import mart where more than 150,000 types of products from all over the world could be found, of which fruits, nuts, cubilose, and other products from ASEAN countries are extremely popular. On this special occasion, joining hands with Zhejiang China Commodities City Group, Yiwu Foreign Affairs Office held an exhibition of ASEAN selected goods, which displays nearly 200 kinds of goods from 10 ASEAN countries. ASEAN delegation attended this event comprising of live-streaming activities, performances, and even a price-guessing quiz.
Yiwu-ASEAN Import Trade Dialogue
Against the backdrop of RCEP agreements being in effect, which brings China and ASEAN into a new era of trade, the Yiwu-ASEAN Import Trade Dialogue was successfully held, serving as an important platform for the two parties to further strengthen economic and trade exchanges, enhance exchanges and cooperation, and promote win-win development. The leaders of the China-ASEAN Centre, the delegation of ASEAN diplomats in China, and representatives of nearly 20 import companies and market operators in Yiwu participated in the dialogue meeting.
