🚀 China and ASEAN are turning up the heat in the digital and green economies! From being neighbors to becoming dynamic partners, they're shaping the future together.
Trade Ties That Bind 🤝
Trade between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has skyrocketed! Between January and July this year, their bilateral trade hit 15.8% of China's total foreign trade, leaving China-EU and China-U.S. trade in the dust by 2.8 and 4.8 percentage points respectively. Talk about a power duo!
From Traditional to Digital 🌐
While infrastructure, energy, and textiles have always been the backbone of their cooperation, the real buzz is now in the digital and green sectors. They're not just riding the wave; they're making it!
Digital Boom in Southeast Asia 📱
Can you imagine? Nearly 70% of over 670 million people in ASEAN countries are internet users! That's like having the entire population of Latin America online. According to the e-Conomy SEA 2023 report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, Southeast Asia's digital economy raked in a whopping $100 billion in 2023—eight times more than in 2016. Sectors like e-commerce, tourism, transportation, and media are the MVPs, contributing to 70% of that revenue.
Green is the New Gold 💚
As the world shifts towards sustainability, China and ASEAN are embracing green initiatives. They're expanding collaboration into green economies, aiming for a cleaner, brighter future. It's not just about profits; it's about making the planet a better place.
Why It Matters 🌏
This partnership isn't just boosting their economies; it's setting the stage for global trends in digital innovation and environmental sustainability. For young entrepreneurs and adventurers, this is the place to watch. Opportunities are blooming like cherry blossoms in spring!
So, keep an eye on China and ASEAN—they're not just neighbors; they're trendsetters shaping the future of our world.
Reference(s):
Digital and green economy new highlights in China-ASEAN cooperation
cgtn.com
