China-ASEAN Forum on Emerging Industries

H.E. Mr. Jin Zhuanglong, Minister of Industry and Information Technology, 

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to start by congratulating Shenzhen for hosting this important meeting. Shenzhen is a microcosm of China’s development success. Once a tiny fishing village, Shenzhen has leapfrogged into a vibrant technology and innovation hub. It has important lessons to share with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the rest of the developing world.

ASEAN, much like China, has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, with several emerging industries serving as a catalyst for this growth. These emerging industries can serve as significant drivers of prosperity, innovation, and opportunity in the region and provide tremendous opportunities for China and ASEAN countries to accelerate their progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The digital economy has rapidly expanded throughout the ASEAN region, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a very rapid adoption of these digital tools. ASEAN countries, with a combined population of over 650 million people, represent a massive opportunity for e-commerce, digital services, and technology-driven solutions. The digital economy is changing the way individuals do business, communicate, and access crucial services. To support this trend, ongoing efforts to improve access, connectivity and equity, as well as securing private personal information, are vital.

Renewable energy is also experiencing rapid expansion and is of grave importance to ensure we meet the global commitments from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power projects are gaining traction, attracting investors and creating jobs. Governments from around the region are also enacting policies to promote the expansion of these renewable energy businesses, with a view towards significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. However, we must increase our ambition and urgently need additional financing and cooperation if we are to truly address the urgency of the climate crisis.

ASEAN has emerged as a centre for sophisticated manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies. Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have positioned themselves as manufacturing powerhouses by incorporating automation, robots, and artificial intelligence in their industrial processes. These technical developments have increased production, efficiency, and quality, resulting in increased global market competitiveness. As emerging technologies are embraced, the manufacturing sectors of ASEAN countries are well-placed for greater expansion and innovation.

Finally, the startup ecosystem in ASEAN countries is booming. Governments and private investors are providing technical assistance and capital to innovative companies in a variety of industries. The startup culture promotes entrepreneurship, creativity, and disruption, resulting in the development of new business models. Startups in technology, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, are making tremendous achievements. 

Just as in China, ASEAN countries are undergoing a significant shift as a result of these emerging industries. These industries are altering the economic landscape and generating sustainable growth, from the digital economy and renewable energy to advanced manufacturing, tourism, and the startup ecosystem. This is and will continue to present challenges in the coming years.

As we move rapidly towards embracing the opportunities created by these emerging industries, we must also ensure their inclusivity and accessibility to all people. There are still millions of people in ASEAN countries without access to the internet, meaning they cannot participate in the advances we are discussing at this forum. It is imperative that we increase our investment in technology infrastructure to ensure universal internet access, allowing all people to both participate in the digital economy and the possibility to develop innovative business ideas using this technology.

Only by ensuring that all people benefit from these technological advances can we maximize the region's potential, creating a better, more sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Ladies and gentlemen, the UN in China has been China's developing partner since 1979. A key pillar of our work is building partnerships to enhance South-South cooperation work. I see enormous opportunities to further increase South-South Cooperation between ASEAN countries and China and to bring the combined support of China and ASEAN’s experience in digitalization and technology to support those countries that are at earlier stages of digitalization and use of AI and other emerging technologies. We stand ready to support this work to ensure that the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda are achieved and that no one is left behind.

I conclude with a quote from the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, who, at the 12th Annual ASEAN-UN Summit, said, “The United Nations greatly appreciates ASEAN’s strong partnership and steadfast commitment to multilateralism and regional cooperation.  ASEAN has an essential role in advancing human rights, fundamental freedoms and inclusive political participation as elements in building true, stable and peaceful societies. And ASEAN has a key role to play in the development of a strong global economy worldwide.”

As noted by the Secretary-General, the UN remains committed to being a resolute partner to ASEAN and its member states to address the many challenges ahead in order to accelerate global progress on the SDGs.

Thank you.