Global Mayors Dialog in Nanning: strengthening china-ASEAN Urban Cooperation
NANNING, China, Jan. 17, 2025 — Mayors, representatives, and experts from China and ASEAN countries convened in Nanning, teh capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, for the Global Mayors Dialogue. The event, themed “Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation,” opened on Thursday, fostering discussions on urban progress and regional collaboration.
Hosted by the Information Office of the people’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the dialogue attracted participants from ASEAN nations, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The event served as a platform for exchanging ideas on urban openness, economic cooperation, cultural integration, and governance experiences.
Nong Shengwen,Party chief of Nanning,highlighted the growing economic ties between China and ASEAN,stating,“The economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN has grown increasingly close,with bilateral trade volume rising from over 600 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to nearly 1 trillion dollars in 2024.” He emphasized the deep integration of industrial, supply, and value chains between the two regions.Atsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, underscored the importance of friendship in achieving peace and security.“We understand that friendship is the most valuable aspect of peace and security in a community that will work together to achieve stability, prosperity, and sustainable development by encouraging openness and collaboration between cities,” he remarked.The dialogue reinforced Nanning’s role as a vital hub for China-ASEAN engagement, particularly as the permanent host city of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO). Since 2004, Nanning has hosted CAEXPO for 21 consecutive years, solidifying its position as a key platform for regional cooperation.
Key Highlights of the Global Mayors Dialogue
| Topic | Details |
|—————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Theme | Building a China-ASEAN Community of friendship: Urban Openness and cooperation |
| Participants | Mayors, representatives, and experts from China and ASEAN countries |
| Key Discussions | Urban openness, economic cooperation, cultural integration, governance |
| Trade Growth | Bilateral trade volume rose from $600 billion (2019) to $1 trillion (2024) |
| Host City | Nanning, Guangxi zhuang Autonomous Region |
the Global Mayors Dialogue not only strengthened ties between China and ASEAN but also set the stage for future collaborations aimed at fostering sustainable urban development and regional prosperity.
For more insights into the event, visit the official coverage on GlobeNewswire.
Global Mayors Dialog in Nanning: Strengthening China-ASEAN Urban Cooperation
The Global Mayors Dialogue, held in Nanning, China, brought together mayors, representatives, and experts from china and ASEAN countries to discuss urban openness, economic cooperation, and enduring development. This landmark event, themed “Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation,” highlighted the growing bilateral trade volume, which rose from $600 billion in 2019 to $1 trillion in 2024. In this interview, we speak with Dr. Li Wei, a leading expert on China-ASEAN relations, to gain deeper insights into the outcomes and implications of this pivotal dialogue.
The Meaning of the Global Mayors Dialogue
Senior Editor: Dr. Li, thank you for joining us today. To start,could you explain why the Global Mayors Dialogue in Nanning is considered such a significant event for China-ASEAN relations?
Dr. Li Wei: Absolutely. The Global Mayors Dialogue is significant because it serves as a high-level platform for fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between China and ASEAN countries.This year’s event, hosted in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, emphasized urban openness and cooperation. Nanning has long been a hub for China-ASEAN engagement,particularly through the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO). The dialogue not only strengthened existing ties but also set the stage for future collaborations in areas like sustainable urban development, economic integration, and cultural exchange.
Bilateral Trade Growth and Economic Integration
Senior Editor: One of the key highlights of the event was the mention of bilateral trade growth between China and ASEAN, which has nearly doubled from $600 billion in 2019 to $1 trillion in 2024. What factors have contributed to this remarkable growth?
Dr. Li Wei: the growth in bilateral trade can be attributed to several factors.first, the deepening integration of industrial, supply, and value chains between China and ASEAN has played a crucial role. additionally, initiatives like the Regional Extensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have further facilitated trade and investment flows. The dialogue in Nanning also highlighted the importance of urban centers as drivers of economic growth. By fostering collaboration between cities in areas like infrastructure development, technology exchange, and sustainable practices, both regions are better positioned to achieve shared prosperity.
Nanning’s Role in china-ASEAN Relations
Senior Editor: Nanning has been described as a vital hub for China-ASEAN engagement. Could you elaborate on why this city is so central to these relations?
Dr. Li Wei: Nanning’s strategic location in Guangxi, which borders several ASEAN countries, makes it a natural gateway for China-ASEAN cooperation. As 2004, Nanning has hosted the China-ASEAN Expo annually, which has become a key platform for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The city’s infrastructure, including its international convention centers and transportation networks, supports large-scale events like the Global Mayors Dialogue. Moreover, Nanning’s focus on urban development and sustainability aligns with the goals of many ASEAN cities, making it an ideal partner for fostering regional collaboration.
Future Collaborations: Sustainable Urban Development
Senior Editor: The dialogue emphasized the importance of sustainable urban development. What specific areas of collaboration were discussed, and how might they shape the future of China-ASEAN relations?
Dr. Li Wei: Several key areas were discussed, including green infrastructure, smart city technologies, and environmental governance. For instance, mayors from both regions shared their experiences in implementing renewable energy projects and improving urban mobility. The dialogue also underscored the need for knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives to address common challenges like climate change and resource management. By working together on these fronts, China and ASEAN can create more resilient and livable cities, which will, in turn, drive regional prosperity and stability.
Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
Senior Editor: As we wrap up, what are your key takeaways from the Global Mayors Dialogue, and what should we anticipate in the near future?
Dr. Li Wei: my biggest takeaway is the strong sense of shared purpose and commitment to collaboration among the participants. The dialogue reaffirmed the importance of friendship and cooperation in achieving peace, security, and sustainable development. Moving forward, I expect to see more concrete initiatives and partnerships emerging from the discussions, particularly in areas like urban planning, green technology, and cultural integration. Events like this are essential for building trust and fostering long-term relationships between China and ASEAN, and I’m optimistic about the positive impact they will have on the region.
