DA NANG – The Network of ASEAN-China Think-Tanks (NACT) Working Group Meeting took place on July 6th in Da Nang, focusing on the theme of “ASEAN-China Collaboration on Industrial and Supply Chains.” Scholars from ASEAN Member States and China gathered to discuss the drivers of supply chain diversification and explore ways to enhance industrial collaboration through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ongoing upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties and fostering mutual growth between ASEAN and China. Participants shared insights on leveraging the RCEP and the upgraded FTA to create more resilient and diversified supply chains, which are crucial for economic stability and growth in the region.

The event concluded with a working trip to Da Nang Port, a key seaport cluster and the third largest in Vietnam. As a pivotal node in the East-West Economic Corridor, Da Nang Port connects Vietnam with neighboring ASEAN Member States such as Lao PDR, Thailand, and Myanmar, underscoring its strategic importance in regional trade and logistics.

This meeting marks a significant step towards deeper economic integration and cooperation between ASEAN and China, promising enhanced industrial collaboration and more robust supply chains in the future. (zai)