On November 13, 2024, the 2024 ASEAN-CHINA GBA Economic Cooperation (Qianhai) Forum commenced at Qianhai International Convention Center. Approved by the State Council, the forumwasorganized by the ASEAN-China Centre and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, and hosted by the Qianhai Administration, Shenzhen University, and the Guangdong High-tech Industry Chamber of Commerce. Under the theme "Technological Leadership·Industrial Synergy", the forum includedan opening ceremony, thematic sessions on think tank cooperation, digital transformation, cross-border finance, cross-border e-commerce, and presidents of international chambers of commerce, along with an enterprise exchange exhibition, industry cooperation matchmaking, and an ASEAN Food and Culture Week. The "ASEAN-CHINA Think Tank Cooperation Forum" session, specifically undertaken by the ASEAN-Greater Bay Area Research Institute and the School of Government of Shenzhen University, focusedon "ASEAN-China Free Trade Area Version 3.0: Opportunities in Emerging Areas and Regulatory Cooperation." Representatives from think tanks and research institutions from China and ASEAN countrieswereinvited to provide suggestions and ideas for cooperation between the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN, guiding new directions in emerging fields and regulatory cooperation.
Distinguished attendees at the opening ceremony included Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Centre; LIM Lork Piseth, Secretary of State of Commerce of Cambodia; Chatchai Viriyavejakul, Thai Ambassador to China; Loro Da Silva Horta, Timor-Leste Ambassador to China; Li Weiguang, Technical Advisor to the Cabinet of Cambodia; Lee Shangyong, Minister and Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in China; and Loh Tuck Keat, Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore in Guangzhou, among other officials from ASEAN countries and international organizations. Also present were Chen Junjie, Counselor of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Qin Hong, Counselor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office in Hong Kong; Zhong Weiyun, Inspector of the China Center for Contemporary World Studies of the International Department; Wang Shourui, Standing Committee Member of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Secretary of the Qianhai Cooperation Zone Party Working Committee, and Secretary of the Bao'an District Committee; Luo Huanghao, Vice Mayor of Shenzhen; Mao Junfa, President of Shenzhen University; Liang Ke, Deputy Secretary of the Qianhai Cooperation Zone Party Working Committee; and over 1,000 representatives from Chinese and ASEAN government departments, business associations, think tanks, and entrepreneurs.
During the forum, Shi Zhongjun, Liang Ke, Mao Junfa, and Wang Lizong, President of the Guangdong High-Tech Industry Chamber,representing the co-organizers,jointly announced the Key Achievements of 2023 ASEAN-China Greater Bay Area Economic Cooperation (Qianhai) Forum and officially launched the GBA-ASEAN Study Support Program with officials from ASEAN consulates. The opening ceremony concluded with the signing of 15 ASEAN cooperation projects, totaling an investment of CNY29.99 billion.
