2024 ASEAN-Oriented Cultural Exchange and Cooperation Forum Kicks Off in Nanning

Nanning, The Gulf Observer: The 2024 ASEAN-Oriented Cultural Exchange and Cooperation Forum officially opened on Sunday in Nanning, the capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The forum, which focuses on enhancing cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between China and the ASEAN region, has attracted around 150 guests from both China and abroad.

During the event, participants shared valuable insights on fostering deeper cultural experiences and strengthening cross-border tourism cooperation between China and ASEAN member states. Among the key speakers, Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Organization, addressed attendees via video link. She emphasized the importance of enhancing communication and coordination in areas such as policy formulation, market trend analysis, and tourism product innovation. Bayona also highlighted the need for China and ASEAN to collaborate in the protection and preservation of their cultural heritage.

The forum, formerly known as the China-ASEAN Cultural Forum, has been held 18 times and serves as a vital high-level platform for humanistic exchanges between China and ASEAN nations. Guangxi, the host region, plays a central role in China’s opening-up and cooperation with ASEAN countries.

In recent months, Guangxi has actively engaged in cultural and tourism exchange initiatives, sending delegations to ASEAN nations including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to promote cultural ties and tourism. The region has also become a key transport hub for Chinese tourists heading to ASEAN countries and a popular destination for ASEAN visitors eager to explore Chinese culture.

The ongoing forum is expected to further strengthen the cultural and tourism partnerships between China and ASEAN, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration in the years to come.