Need For Enhanced Connectivity Between China, ASEAN - ACC Sec-Gen

From Anas Abu Hassan RUILI (China), Oct 31 (Bernama) -- There is a need to further enhance connectivity between ASEAN countries and China to further strengthen relations between both sides, including in the economic field. ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) secretary-general Yang Xiuping said enhanced connectivity would play a big role in promoting initiatives such as those under the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road to help promote economic prosperity, regional cooperation and mutual learning among the people. "Every week we have more than 2,000 flights to China, but many ASEAN member countries don't mount direct flights to China. "Therefore I do hope that we'll do more work on connectivity between ASEAN and China," Yang told delegates of the China-ASEAN Media Journey on 21st Century Maritime Silk Road 2016. Fifteen journalists from 10-member ASEAN took part in the programme organised by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China and ACC. Yang also touched on the important role of the media in promoting good relations and activities involving trading, cultural exchange and education between ASEAN and China which he said had gone from strength to strength over the past 25 years. "Cultural exchange and educational activities attract a lot of people so the media should try to make people understand each other from activities in thse fields," he said. The 21st Maritime Silk Road initiative is expected to further unite and expand common interests between China and other countries situated along the route, activate potential growth and achieve mutual benefits in wider areas. -- BERNAMA