“Building up partnerships on green development transformation” was the main theme of the 2013 ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Forum, which was held in Guilin, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The two-day forum brought together policy makers from ASEAN countries and PRC to discuss environmental collaboration and strengthen strategic partnerships, as well as to promote green development mechanisms in the region. The forum was part of the 10th China-ASEAN Expo, an annual economic cooperation event held by ASEAN and China.

Delegates included Dr. Edgar Cua, Deputy Director General of ADB’s East Asia Department, who presented on ADB’s strategy and work on green development partnerships with ASEAN countries. Mr. Sanath Ranawana, Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist, ADB, and Mr. Jerry Chen, Biodiversity and Landscape Conservation Specialist, EOC, presented on the GMS Core Environment Program’s biodiversity landscape conservation work, focusing on partnerships.

The event attracted more than 200 participants from PRC, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and other ASEAN countries. These included senior government officials from environment and other ministries, members of the GMS Working Group on Environment, and provincial environment officials from PRC. Private sector delegates and researchers from various universities and institutes also attended.