ASEAN-China National Focal Point Meeting on Environmental Cooperation 2020 was held by China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center / Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO) of MEE on July 14, 2020 virtually in Beijing. Over 40 representatives from Department of International Cooperation of MEE, China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center, ASEAN member countries Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and ASEAN Secretariat attended the meeting.

Xiao Xuezhi, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation of MEE, pointed out in his opening remarks that under the guidance of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy (2016-2020), ASEAN-China Environmental cooperation has made positive progress in environmental policy dialogue and exchange and the development of eco-friendly cities. ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy (2021-2025) will focus on global and regional hotspot environmental issues to further promote China-ASEAN environmental cooperation and contribute to the improvement of regional environment and the realization of 2030 SDGs. Dr. Vong Sok, Head of the Environment Division of ASEAN Secretariat, mentioned that China-ASEAN environmental cooperation has become a model for South-South cooperation with positive outcomes being delivered. The meeting will discuss issues of common concern for China and ASEAN member countries, including marine plastics, climate change, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management and promote more extensive cooperation under existing frameworks.

Representatives from China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center introduced the progress of the implementation of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy (2016-2020) and the draft Framework of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2025). During the meeting, representatives from ASEAN member countries expressed their appreciation to China for drafting Framework of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2025) and introduced the progress of their own countries in implementing ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy (2016-2020) and domestic actions in the green development of cities, solid waste management and marine plastics management. They also proposed constructive suggestions and recommendations concerning the strategic goals and contents of Framework of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2025).

The meeting reached an agreement on the schedule and timetable for the revision and improvement of Framework of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2025) and agreed to push forward the adoption of the Strategy and Action Plan by ASEAN member countries and the Leaders’ Summit as soon as possible.