ASEAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

33rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

16-22 SEPTEMBER 2012, LOMBOK, INDONESIA

REPORT ON DIALOGUE WITH PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

The AIPA Dialogue was chaired by Hon. Dr. Susaningtyas Nefo Handayani Kertopati, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, and Hon. Ms. Okky Asokawati as the Rapporteur. The session started at 02.00 p.m. at Bima 2 Room, Santosa Hotel & Resort, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, on 19 September 2012.

The dialogue meeting was attended by the following delegates:

DELEGATES OF OBSERVER: PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

  1. Hon. Mr. Zha Peixin (MP)
  2. Hon. Mr. Ren Zhenglong (MP)

DELEGATES OF AIPA MEMBER PARLIAMENTS

Brunei Darussalam

  1. Hon. Pehin Dato Goh King Chin (MP)
  2. Hon. Haji Sulaiman Haji Ahad (MP)
  3. Hon. Datin Hajah Zasiah Sirin (MP)

Cambodia

  1. Hon. Mr. Chheang Vun (MP)
  2. Hon. Ms. Krouch Sam An (MP)

Indonesia

  1. Hon. Mr. Hayono Isman (MP)
  2. Hon. Ms. Okky Asokawati (MP)
  3. Hon. Dr. Susaningtyas Nefo Handayani Kertopati (MP)

Lao PDR

  1. Hon. Dr.Koukeo Akhamountry (MP)

Malaysia

  1. Hon. Senator Khoo Soo Seang (Senator)
  2. Hon. Mr. Tan Seng Biaw (MP)
  3. Hon. Mr. Liang Teck Meng (MP)
  4. Hon. Ms. Chew Lee Giok (Senator)

Myanmar

  1. Hon. Dr. Aye Myint (MP)
  2. Hon. Mr. Nyunt Hling (MP)

The Philippines

  1. Hon. Mr. Victor F. Ortega (MP/HOD)

Singapore

  1. Hon. Dr. Lim Wee Kiak (MP)
  2. Hon. Ms. Ellen Lee Geck Hoon (MP)

Thailand

  1. Hon. Col. Winai Sompong (MP)

Viet Nam

  1. Hon. Mr. Vu Xuan Hong (MP)
  2. Hon. Ms. Dinh Thi Phuong Lan (MP)

In its remarks, the delegation of National People’s Congressof People’s Republic of China (NPC) noted the importance of its relations with AIPA Member Parliaments and ASEAN Member States. The aim of having this bilateral meeting are to enhance the existing cooperation, noting that this bilateral relations has been progressively improved during 21 years of China – ASEAN cooperation.

The Meeting discussed the following issues:

  1. Strengthening human resource development and capacity building

The Delegation of National People Congress of People’s Republic of China (NPC) take notes that Asia is the most populous continent, yet do not have strong enough quality of human resources. In order to shift Asia from big-numbered to qualitative human resources, and in line with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Government policies in improving quality of education in China,the PRC support the Strengthening cooperation in human resources with ASEAN countries, such as by sending more students to study in ASEAN Member States as well as welcoming students from ASEAN Member States to study in China.

On this matter, all delegates agreed that capacity building and education are important for ASEAN Member States especially the developing countriesand therefore requested China to continuecooperation on human resources development. Such cooperation is important to increase the economy of ASEAN-China and to raise living standard of the people in the region.

Delegations of Lao PDR and Singapore requested China delegation to put more efforts on the building of China-ASEAN connectivity. In this issue, Singapore encouraged China to build train transportation system linking China and ASEAN Member States.

  1. Promote collaborates research and strategy transfer in agriculture, food and forestry procedure

The China delegation noted that agriculture is key area to develop bilateral cooperation because food is the fundamental needs of human being. The China delegation expected stronger cooperation with ASEAN Member States in sharing agricultural technology. China also welcomes ASEAN students to study agricultural technology and welcomesASEAN experts to have joint research in China. Likewise, experts from China also willing to conduct joint research with experts and scholars from ASEAN Member States. Cambodia and Myanmar delegationssuggested China to increase investments in agricultural sector, and to have cooperation in building capacity of farmers and agricultural workers.

Cambodia delegation proposed the concept of clean and green ASEAN in order to protect the environment. Several delegations also raised the importance of the increasing of cooperation in disaster early warning system in ASEAN Member States.

  1. Energy issues and environmental aspects

The China delegation explained that their main energy policies are to save and to reduce energy consumption while protecting the environment; to diversify energy sources with coal and renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear-power). Currently,China is trying to establish stable, economic, yet safe energy. In energy-trade sector China has imported natural resources such as coal and gas from ASEAN Member States. China Delegation welcomes opportunities to have further cooperation in energy sector with ASEAN Member States, such as in experience and technology sharing as well as in trade.In regard to environment issues, China calledon developed countries to provide financial support to developing countries, taking into account that developed countries were the biggest emission contributors from their industries.

AIPA delegates welcome investment from China in energy sector and exchange of technology in producing renewable energy. Cambodia delegation requested China to continue supporting environmental protection in ASEAN. Singapore delegation emphasized that China and ASEAN should take positive steps in reducing emission and protecting the environment.

  1. Strengthening efforts to address climate change adaptation needs

China delegation stated that climate change is a common challange faced by all countries and, therefore, cannot be solved with only the effort of one country. China stressed the importance of using principles of equality, common but differentiated responsibilitiesto address climate change. Issues for developing countries is how to adapt to climate change. Therefore, China delegation proposed more communication and consultation with ASEANMember States on this matter.

  1. Increasing Parliamentary Cooperation between AIPA Members and Observers

China delegation viewed cooperation with AIPA Member Parliaments and ASEAN Member States as very important cooperations. The National People’s Congress always sends delegation to AIPA General Assembly. China delegation suggested that further exchange of experience among counterparting committee or parliaments staff among National People’s Congress and AIPA Member Parliaments has to be promoted. To note that parliamentarians are representatives of the people, stronger inter-parliamentary cooperation will strengthen people to people cooperation.

Thailand delegation raised its concern on serious drugs menace in ASEAN countries and also its connections to terrorism, money laundering, and corruption. Since this situation will not only impactASEAN Member States, but also spread to its neighbours including China. Thailand requested closer cooperation between China and ASEAN Member States to eliminate drugs problems.

Brunei Darussalam extended invitation to China and AIPA member Paraliaments to attend the 34th AIPA General Assembly in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on 15-21 September 2013.

As there were no further comments from any of delegates, the Chairperson called the dialogue session to a close at04.15. p.m.

The Report of the Dialogue with People’s Republic of Chinais presented to the 33rd AIPA General Assembly.

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SIGNED

HON. DR. SUSANINGTYAS NEFO HANDAYANI KERTOPATI

CHAIRPERSON

SIGNED

HON. MS. OKKY ASOKAWATI

RAPPORTEUR

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