国际英语资讯:News Analysis: RCEP negotiations, regional connectivity gain progress as ASEAN, dialogue par_时事

国际英语资讯:News Analysis: RCEP negotiations, regional connectivity gain progress as ASEAN, dialogue par

"We need better connectivity for regional growth. The Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 might not accomplish as much on its own but together with the Belt and Road, I can see an easier flow of goods and services into ASEAN from China and vice versa," said Tan Kok Wai, Malaysian government's special envoy to China.

To achieve sustainable development at the digital age, ASEAN and China will also work together in building a smart cities network, exploring science, technology and innovation cooperation to improve people's livelihood in the urbanization process.

They agreed to encourage the establishment of mutually-beneficial city partnerships between ASEAN cities, in particular those under the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, and Chinese cities, such as Nanning, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Ji'nan, Kunming, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Chengdu.

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE ASEAN COMMUNITY

The ASEAN summit and related summits were held under the theme "Advancing Partnership for Sustainability." The bloc is committed to "promoting partnership for sustainability in order to realize a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN Community that leaves no one behind," said the chairman's statement issued after the ASEAN summit.

ASEAN aims to move forward with dynamism to be able to capture the benefits and opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution, promote partnerships and connectivity and to bring about sustainability in all dimensions, said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday during the closing ceremony of the summits.