China, ASEAN eye deeper innovation cooperation

China and ASEAN, with geographical proximity and complementary industrial strengths, are well-positioned to deepen cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, green technology and biomedicine, experts and business leaders said.

Their comments came at the ASEAN Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum held in Beijing recently as part of the 2026 Zhongguancun Forum, where participants discussed ways to strengthen cross-border innovation collaboration.

Organized in line with the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030), the forum underscored the need for closer coordination in innovation, industry and finance to foster a more integrated cross-border innovation ecosystem.

Several practical outcomes were announced during the event. The International Cooperation Center of China's National Development and Reform Commission signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Zhongguancun Development Group to support enterprises in attracting overseas resources, expanding abroad, and promoting the integration of industrial and innovation chains.

Yang Renquan, general manager of Zhongguancun Development Group, said the company will leverage its strengths in resources and networks to help Chinese technology enterprises expand into ASEAN markets, connect with high-quality local resources and support the country's broader opening-up efforts.

An unveiling ceremony was also held for the ZGC AI Business International Service Hub (ASEAN), with CGS International Securities designated as the investment banking services institution. In addition, the "UOB Intellichain: The ASEAN Express" initiative was launched to provide one-stop financial services for Zhongguancun enterprises expanding into ASEAN.

Participants said such moves will help translate policy consensus into more tangible outcomes and inject fresh momentum into regional growth.