The 2024 China-Japan-Korea Industrial Cooperation Development Forum, themed “Open, Inclusive, Cooperative, and Win-Win,” kicked off on October 17 in Weifang, Shandong. Attendees from various sectors in China, Japan, and South Korea engaged in discussions focused on enhancing local government collaboration, building a modern industrial system, advancing the construction of the China-Japan-Korea Free Trade Area, and ensuring the high-level implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
In his opening remarks, Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, highlighted the promising prospects for cooperation among the three nations. He emphasized the importance of institutionalizing collaboration within the frameworks of ASEAN and trilateral dialogues, stating, “We look forward to further deepening economic, trade, and cultural exchanges among our countries through key platforms like the China-Japan-Korea Industrial Cooperation Development Forum and the China-Japan-Korea Industrial Exposition. Together, we can create a new era of prosperity and development in the region.”
Ren Hongbin, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, spoke via video, noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of China-Japan-Korea cooperation and significant achievements in economic and trade collaboration. He expressed the council’s commitment to enhancing connections between government and business, streamlining internal and external cooperation, and fostering a new level of economic collaboration that benefits all three nations.
Zhou Liwei, Deputy Governor of Shandong Province, remarked on the province’s recent efforts to deepen practical cooperation with Japan and South Korea across various sectors. He stated that the forum provides a vital platform for local governments, scholars, trade associations, and entrepreneurs to strengthen friendships, expand exchanges, and deepen collaboration. “We aim to advance industrial cooperation, enhance trade, and engage in cultural exchanges that achieve higher levels of mutual benefit,” he added.
According to Lee Hee-seop, Secretary-General of the China-Japan-Korea Cooperation Secretariat, the forum and accompanying industry exposition have become critical international events that encourage exchanges and cooperation among local governments and enterprises in the three countries. He affirmed that the initiative would facilitate communication and elevate the quality of development in Shandong Province and Weifang City. “The China-Japan-Korea Cooperation Secretariat will continue to build bridges for win-win cooperation alongside Shandong, Weifang, and associated economic trade organizations,” he said.
Liu Yun, Secretary of the Weifang Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, introduced the city’s strong agricultural foundation, robust industrial base, advanced educational resources, open environment, and rich cultural heritage. “We hope this event serves as an opportunity to strengthen friendships and partnerships with all our guests, sharing new development opportunities to forge a bright future together,” he said.
The forum, co-hosted by the Weifang Municipal People’s Government, the Japan External Trade Organization, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, and the China-Japan-Korea Cooperation Secretariat, will run until October 19. During the forum, a series of economic and trade activities will take place, including the 10th China-Japan-Korea Industrial Exposition, the Sino-Korean Industry-Academia-Research Cooperation Forum, investment presentations for Japan, a showcase of Korean quality products, and discussions on optimizing cross-border e-commerce and facility agriculture development.
