BEIJING, Sept 25 — The ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) is expanding its training programmes across ASEAN to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) enter the China market, with a focus on free trade agreements (FTAs), customs procedures and cross-border e-commerce.
ACC deputy director of the Trade and Investment Division Pichayapat Benjasiriroj said the initiative was important as SMEs form the backbone of ASEAN economies, but many continue to face challenges such as limited access to information and a lack of understanding of trade-related rules and regulations.
“So, that’s also our consideration and we have put our effort into supporting the development of SMEs, especially on the ASEAN side. It is because we all also realise that trade is quite imbalanced between ASEAN and China.
“That’s why we came up with the programme to support ASEAN SMEs,” he said during an ACC visit and exchange with international media here yesterday. ACC Secretary General Zhang Lizhong was also present.
ACC began its SME training programme last year by inviting SMEs through business associations and partners to attend a two-day programme in Beijing, Pichayapat said.
The programme focused on customs procedures, ways to utilise FTAs, dealing with customs authorities, cross-border e-commerce and other tools to help SMEs build their capacity and improve marketing.
“This year, for the first time, we went to ASEAN countries. We went to Thailand and Laos to host the training programme in their countries, making the programme more accessible to local SMEs,” he said.
The programmes also connected SMEs with local enterprises experienced in doing business with China, while officials from the respective trade ministries were invited to share their expertise and insights on making better use of FTAs.
Pichayapat said ACC would continue the training programme next year and hoped to work with more organisations in ASEAN countries to connect with local SMEs and manage logistical requirements for the programmes.
Meanwhile, ACC is also expanding ASEAN-China cooperation in high-technology and emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), new energy and carbon-reduction technologies.
Pichayapat said ACC had been organising forums since 2024 to connect Chinese companies with enterprises and stakeholders in ASEAN in areas such as advanced industries and new energy.
The initiatives included bringing Chinese companies to Malaysia in 2024 for discussions on advanced industries, followed by a green energy programme in Bangkok last year.
“This year, we brought around 50 Chinese entrepreneurs to Vietnam to hold roundtable sessions with local enterprises, as well as a business roundtable with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology,” he said.
ACC hopes to further expand such cooperation with ASEAN countries to promote trade, investment and collaboration in emerging high-technology sectors, he said.
Meanwhile, Zhang said ACC was committed to strengthening its role as a platform to translate ASEAN-China cooperation into practical outcomes, particularly as both sides explore new areas such as the digital economy, green economy, AI and supply chain connectivity.
The centre is also seeking to expand its network of government agencies, business associations, universities, think tanks and media organisations across ASEAN and China to create more opportunities for cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, he said.
“ACC is always committed to being pragmatic and results-oriented. We try to bring more opportunities to the business community to meet each other, make business connections and produce real results,” he added.
