August 2nd, 2017

(From www.china.com) Due to specific historical, cultural, economic and geopolitical reasons, the Asia Pacific region and China has had a close relationship. As an important member of this big family, China wishes to share the results of its development with the rest of the region. At present, how the Asia Pacific region can integrate its strength with the China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative, play a positive role and how to combine the actual situation of respective countries to find new opportunities have undoubtedly become an important issue. Based on this consideration, recently, the Asia Pacific Exchange & Cooperation Foundation paid visits to Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, visited governments, academic and related institutions, and found many new ideas, methods and propositions.

During the visit to Australia, Mr. Xiao Wunan held meetings with Mr. Julian Leeser, a member of the House of Representatives for Berowra, New South Wales, Mrs. Shelley Hancock, Australian congresswoman and Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, Mr.Ray Williams, the New South Wales Minister of Multiculturalism. They discussed ways to boost trade relations between Australia and China and how to disseminate Chinese culture with the help of Australia’s multiculturalism. Meanwhile, both countries hope to play constructive roles in protecting the peace and prosperity in this region. During the trip to Malaysia and Singapore, APECF reached many consensuses with governments, enterprises and social organizations on how to combine their domestic advantages with China’s “One Belt, One Road” blueprint. For example, how Singapore exploits its geographical advantage and how Malaysia takes advantage of its infrastructure construction. In Thailand, Mr. Xiao Wunan reached a consensus with Mr. Korn Dabbaransi, Co-Chairman of APECF and a former Thai Deputy Prime Minister as well as current President of Thai-Chinese Friendship Association, on how to boost Thailand’s role in China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. They made a decision to take a lead in establishing a specialized committee to support China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative through the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association. This is also the first social organization overseas recognized by the government to establish an institution to respond to China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. They will hold a signing ceremony this August.

In Bangkok, the APECF delegation paid a visit to United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and held a meeting with Ms. Mia Mikic and Mr. Jonathan Tsuen Yip Wong, reaching fruitful results. Ms. Mia Mikic said UN ESCAP has signed an agreement with the Chinese government to support China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative and the APECF visit was to implement previous consensus. In addition, UN ESCAP the core of ASEAN, it could play a special role. UN ESCAP will take full advantage of its technology, human resources and information and play a pioneer role in the promotion of China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. At the same time, they hoped to establish a long-term cooperation with APECF, and jointly provide full dimensional services and support to the successful implementation of China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative.

This visit has actively promoted the leading position of the Asia Pacific region in China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative and we believe fruitful results will be achieved in the future.