Jakarta, 29 October 2022 (TDI): The Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community, Satvinder Singh, met the Ambassador of China to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Deng Xijun in Jakarta, Indonesia on 28 October 2022.
Both officials discussed a close economic collaboration between South East Asian countries and China. Moreover, progress made together under ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity (2021-2025) was also noted.
Deputy Secretary-General, Satvinder Singh appreciated the close economic cooperation and relationship between Athe two sides. He also highlighted the important economic partnership between both sides.
Satvinder Singh emphasized economic cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China which covers areas such as digital connectivity, e-commerce, circular economy, and blue economy.
Both officials exchanged views on the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and decarburization efforts in the region.
In addition, Deputy Secretary-General underlined the importance of ASEAN competitiveness by supporting economic recovery and integration.
This will be achieved through deeper sectoral cooperation in the areas of energy, transport, food and agriculture, tourism, and science and technology.
Also Read: China enhances cooperation with Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Furthermore, Satvinder Singh admired China’s role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in South East Asian Region.
He further stated that the South East Asian bloc is looking forward to working closely to deepen the ASEAN-China partnership and collaboration in the economic sector.
Both sides believe that there is a bright future for the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two for mutual benefit.
China-ASEAN Economic Relations
Economic relations between the two entities can be traced back to 1991 when the then Foreign Minister of China, Qian Qichen attended the 24th ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
China has a unique position as the largest trading partner with ASEAN. Moreover, trade between both sides has doubled since 2010, from USD 235.5 billion to USD 507.9 billion in 2019.
