Launched: ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund Management Team
The Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN incollaboration with the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat launched the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) Management Team at the ASEAN Secretariat on 18 October 2019.
In their opening remarks, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi and the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN Noel Servigon highlighted China’s contribution and continued support for ASEAN’s community building efforts. They welcomed the establishment of the ACCF Management Team (AMT) to effectively utilise, manage and execute ACCF-funded projects. SG Dato Lim Jock Hoi also expressed appreciation for China’s contribution to the ACCF amounting to US$11.3 million this year, allowing the funds to support more ASEAN cooperation projects. One of the projects is the flagship ASEAN-China Young Leaders’ Scholarship Programme 2019-2023 which has enabled 23 scholars from ASEAN Member States (AMS) to pursue their graduate studies in top Chinese universities. As of September 2019, ACCF is comprised of 131 projects with a combined cumulative value of over US$ 26 million since the establishment of the ACCF 22 years ago. Ambassador of China to ASEAN Huang Xilian emphasised the important role of the AMT in deepening ASEAN-China cooperation and expressed his appreciation to ASEAN Secretariat and AMS for their strong support and cooperation.
Among the highlights of the launch was the introduction of Mr. Huang Cheng as the Team Leader of AMT and the presentation of the plate of the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund Management Team to mark the launch of the AMT.Around 100 participants consisting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, Project and Programme Management Teams . based at ASEC, representatives from the Mission of China to ASEAN, and ASEAN Secretariat staff attended the event.