JAKARTA, 19 December 2024 – The ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) Management Team (AMT), in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) and the respective host countries Permanent Mission to ASEAN, successfully conducted a series of ACCF Promotion and ASEAN Project Development Trainings for government officials in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These workshops, held between October and December 2024, demonstrated AMT’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN cooperation through capacity-building initiatives and promoting the effective use of ACCF.

The training series was conducted as part of ACCF Promotion and the implementation of the 4th ASEAN Development Fund (ADF) Work Plan.

Ambassador Hou Yanqi of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN emphasized China’s strong support for ACCF as a vital platform for advancing ASEAN-China cooperation. She encouraged the workshop participants to utilize ACCF effectively and prioritize projects aligned with ASEAN-China strategic priorities, including digital economy, clean energy, and people-to-people exchanges. She further underscored the importance of leveraging the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges (2024-2025) to develop initiatives that exemplify the depth and vitality of ASEAN-China relations.

The first workshop took place in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, from 22-25 October 2024, gathering 56 Cambodian government officials from 27 lines ministries and agencies and ASEAN-based entities. During the closing session, KUNG Phoak, Secretary of State and ASEAN SOM Leader of Cambodia, MFA.IC, commended the ACCF Management Team and the ASEAN Secretariat for their critical role in supporting Cambodia and other ASEAN Member States in advancing regional cooperation. He emphasized that the insights and skills gained from the training will enable participants to develop impactful project proposals aligned with ASEAN’s strategic priorities.

The second workshop was hosted in Malang, Indonesia, from 4-6 November 2024, engaging 51 Indonesian government officials from 24 ministries and agencies. Ambassador M.I. Derry Aman, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to ASEAN, underscored the need to align national and regional efforts to support Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Vision. He encouraged participants to leverage ASEAN platforms and emphasized that while increasing the number of proposals is important, quality and impact should remain a priority.

The final workshop was held in Penang, Malaysia, from 16-18 December 2024, involving 39 Malaysian officials from 25 ministries and agencies. Fairuz Rozali, Deputy Director-General of ASEAN External Relations Division of the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat, welcomed participants by emphasizing Malaysia’s role in strengthening ASEAN-China cooperation and preparing for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. He highlighted China’s status as ASEAN’s largest trading partner and the need to develop impactful projects that reflect inclusivity and sustainability.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya Soeprapto, highlighted the workshop’s role in enhancing Malaysia’s capacity to develop results-based projects supporting its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, strengthening ASEAN-China partnership, and advancing regional community-building efforts. He underscored the importance of regionality, partnership, and collaboration in project development, urging participants to actively engage and work closely with AMT and ASEC.

Throughout the workshops, AMT played a crucial role in guiding participants on project design. Participants were equipped with the knowledge and tools to craft impactful, regionally relevant proposals aligned with ASEAN-China strategic objectives.

The AMT’s technical expertise and ongoing collaboration with ASEC and host governments ensured the success of these training sessions. By providing comprehensive guidance on ACCF mechanisms, proposal development, and project implementation, AMT reinforced its position as a key enabler of ASEAN’s regional integration goals.