ASEAN-HNFTP Think Tank Network held its 2nd working meeting

服务于深化中国东盟经贸合作大局，更好发挥海南自由贸易港战略枢纽作用，由9个国家的17个智库等发起的海南自由贸易港-东盟智库联盟于4月21日正式成立并于5月13日举行了第一次工作会议。

For the purpose of facilitating the deepening of trade and cooperation between ASEAN and China, and of better leveraging the role of Hainan FTP as a strategic hub, the ASEAN-HNFTP Think Tank Network(hereinafter referred to as the Network), which was jointly initiated on April 21 by 17 think tanks from nine countries, held its 1st working meeting on May 13, 2022.

9月12日，海南自由贸易港-东盟智库联盟第二次工作会议召开，来自中国、新加坡、越南、印度尼西亚、马来西亚、泰国、柬埔寨等7个国家的16位相关智库联盟成员代表参会，就如何以海南自由贸易港为平台促进中国企业进入东盟投资合作、如何更好发挥智库联盟的智力支持作用等进行讨论交流。

On September 12, the Network held its 2nd work meeting with participation of 16 representatives from think tanks of 7 countries in the region including China, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia, focusing exchange and discussion on how to use Hainan Free Trade Port (hereinafter referred to as HNFTP) as a platform to facilitate Chinese enterprises' investment and cooperation in ASEAN, and how to bring the intellectual support role of the Network into fuller play. 

一、适应大势，发挥智库合力，促进中国企业进入东盟投资合作

1.Adapting to the general trend and leveraging joint efforts of think tanks to promote Chinese enterprises' investment and cooperation in ASEAN

当前，全球面临着发展与冲突的突出矛盾。在这样一个背景下，建设海南自由贸易港，就是要充分发挥地缘优势与开放优势，在促进中国-东盟更高水平、更大范围的合作交流中发挥枢纽作用，有效连接中国与东盟两个最具活力的市场，更加便利务实推进区域经济一体化进程。本次会议围绕如何适应大势，发挥海南自由贸易港重要平台作用，促进中国东盟企业投资合作进行交流研讨。

At present, the world is confronted with with a stark contradiction between development and conflict. In this context, the construction of HNFTP should aim at fully using its geographical and opening-up advantages, enabling it to play a pivotal role in facilitating cooperation and communication between China and ASEAN at a higher level and in broader areas, and effectively connecting these two most dynamic markets, so as to conveniently and pragmatically advance the economic integration in the region. This meeting focused on exchanging ideas and discussing on how to adapt to the general trend to bring the role of HNFTP as an important platform into full play in facilitating investment and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.

中国（海南）改革发展研究院院长迟福林提出，第一，建设海南自由贸易港的核心目标是要成为中国与东盟全面合作的重要枢纽与市场交汇点，要更好发挥海南自由贸易港在促进中国企业进入东盟投资合作中的特殊作用。第二，要为中国企业进入东盟投资合作提供智力支持。一项中国企业对外投资意愿调查数据显示，56%的受访企业正计划进入东盟市场；60%的企业有意愿在未来12个月扩大东盟的投资合作。这个需求还在增长。第三，要为中国企业进入东盟投资合作搭建机制化平台，发挥智库联盟的重要作用。

Chi Fulin, President of China Institute for Reform and Development (hereinafter referred to as CIRD) and President of Hainan Institute for Free Trade Port Studies, emphasized the following: First, a core objective of constructing the HNFTP is to enable it to become an important hub of comprehensive cooperation between China and ASEAN and an intersection of these two markets. So HNFTP should play a better role in facilitating Chinese enterprises' investment and cooperation in ASEAN. Second, the think tank network should provide intellectual support for Chinese enterprises’ investment and cooperation in ASEAN. Data from a survey of Chinese companies' willingness to invest abroad shows that 56% of the surveyed are planning to enter the ASEAN market; and 60% have a desire to expand their investment and cooperation in ASEAN in the next 12 months, which indicates that this demand is still growing. Third, the think tank network should play a full role in helping build institutionalized platforms for facilitating Chinese enterprises to invest in ASEAN.

马来西亚新亚洲战略研究中心主席翁诗杰表示，印太经济框架实施后，美国会通过标准规则迫使东盟国家选边站队。建议合作开展RCEP的沙盘推演，预测可能的风险。

Ong Tee Keat, Chairman, Center for New Inclusive Asia, Malaysia, pointed out that, after IPEF’s implementation, the US is sure to press ASEAN countries to take sides by imposing its standards and rules upon them. Therefore, he suggested that joint sand-table exercises should be conducted to predict possible risks for RCEP.

中国社会科学院世界经济与政治研究所所长张宇燕提出，印太经济框架将对中国和东盟的关系产生重要影响，尤其是要防范亚太地区合作碎片化。要以RCEP为中心推进亚太地区合作及海南自由贸易港与东盟交流合作。

Zhang Yuyan, Director, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of World Economics and Politics, pointed out that IPEF may well seriously impact China-ASEAN relations. And it is crucial to prevent fragmentation of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. RCEP should be the center in promoting cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region as well as exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN and HNFTP. 

越南社科院东南亚研究所所长阮辉煌表示，海南是中国面向东南亚的门户，是连接中国和东南亚的重要枢纽，在促进中国与东盟互联互通中具有重要作用。强化海南自由贸易港与东盟的互联互通，需要增进中国东盟间的互相理解。

Nguyen Huy Hoang, Director General, Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute for Southeast Asian Studies, noted that, Hainan as China's gateway to Southeast Asia and a strategic hub connecting China and Southeast Asia, has an important role to play in promoting interconnectivity between China and ASEAN. However, mutual understanding between China and ASEAN should be further enhanced in order to strengthen the connectivity between ASEAN and Hainan.

印尼战略与国际问题研究中心经济部主任法热哈·赫拉万认为，工业化、基础设施互联互通、提升劳动力技能是印度尼西亚三大优先事项，在这些方面中国提供了很大的支持。为了进一步发掘海南自由贸易港与东盟的合作潜力，建议加强政府之间的合作，特别是加强数字政府领域的合作；加强技能培训方面的合作。

Fajar B. Hirawan, Head of the Economics Department, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Indonesia, pointed out that industrialization, infrastructure connectivity and upgrading skills of the workforce are Indonesia's top three priorities, in which China has provided significant support. In order to further explore the potential in cooperation between ASEAN and HNFTP, he suggested further strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, especially cooperation in digital government building and skill training.

柬埔寨亚洲愿景研究院湄公河战略研究中心研究员孟格达维德认为，东盟要发展区域性、互相理解和帮助的增长模式。增强中国与东盟贸易的互联互通，需要强化物流方面的联通，加强人文交流，促进双边发展。

THONG Mengdavid, Research Associate at Mekong Center for Strategic Studies, Asian Vision Institute, said that ASEAN needs to develop a regional growth model featuring mutual understanding and mutual support, and that  enhancing trade cooperation between China and ASEAN calls for strengthening interconnectivity of logistics and people-to-people exchanges.

菲律宾中华研究学会董事会成员皮特洛指出，菲律宾非常欢迎中国企业投资，特别是农业投资。希望中国能够跟东盟国家建立农业合资企业；并在市场开放、互联互通、科技等方面与东盟有进一步的深入合作。

Lucio B. Pitlo III, Member of Board of Directors, Philippine Association for Chinese Studies, pointed out that the Philippines welcomes investment from Chinese enterprises, especially in agriculture. He hoped that China and ASEAN countries can set up more joint ventures in the agricultural sector and further deepen cooperation in market opening, infrastructure interconnectivity, and science and technology.

外交学院亚洲研究所所长郭延军提出，在中国东盟合作中，海南自由贸易港具有得天独厚的地缘和政策优势，能够为国内地方参与东盟合作做出非常好的样板。实现海南自由贸易港与香港之间的良性互动，对于深化中国与东盟合作非常重要；要深入开展海南自由贸易港总部基地建设的研究并推动这一目标的实现。

Guo Yanjun, Director, Institute of Asian Studies, China Foreign Affairs University, noted that HNFTP with its unique geographical and policy advantages in facilitating China-ASEAN cooperation can set a shining example for China’s other provinces to participate in cooperation with ASEAN. Constructive interactions between HNFTP and Hong Kong are very important for deepening China-ASEAN cooperation. It is necessary to conduct in-depth research on how to construct corporate headquarters bases in HNFTP and how to promote constructive interactions between HNFTP and Hong Kong.

二、务实行动，为中国企业进入东盟投资合作提供智力支持、搭建机制化平台

2.Take concrete actions to set up institutionalized platforms for providing intellectual support for Chinese enterprises to invest in ASEAN

当前，东盟不同成员国吸引中国企业投资合作的产业需求何在？如何更好发挥海南自由贸易港在促进中国东盟合作中的特殊作用？东盟企业经海南自由贸易港开拓中国大市场的政策需求何在？会议围绕智库联盟如何发挥作用、务实推动中国企业进入东盟投资合作进行了讨论交流。

What are the needs of different ASEAN member states’ industries to attract Chinese enterprises for investment and cooperation? How can the unique role of HNFTP in promoting China-ASEAN cooperation be brought into full play? What are the policy needs for facilitating ASEAN enterprises to expand their share in China’s large market via HNFTP? Around these questions, participants of the meeting discussed and exchanged views focusing on how the Network can play its due role in facilitating Chinese enterprises' investment and cooperation in ASEAN and ASEAN enterprises’ expansion of their share in China’s large market.

翁诗杰提出，一是采用更加开放的形式开展联合研究，吸引企业家和政府机构代表共同参与。二是要全面借鉴国际自由贸易港的经验，包括成功经验与失败教训。三是要充分把握东盟各国不同智库的特点，提升研究成果的有效性。

Ong Tee Keat put forward the following: First, joint research of the Network should be conducted in a more open manner in order to involve participation of entrepreneurs and representatives of government agencies. Second, joint studies should be done to draw on not only successful experience but also lessons of failure from FTPs across the world. Third, unique features of different think tanks in ASEAN should be taken into consideration in joint research in order to improve effectiveness of research findings.

迟福林建议，智库联盟通过合作举办“海南自由贸易港与东盟交流合作”论坛、中国与东盟中小企业能力建设研讨培训等方式，搭建促进中国企业进入东盟投资合作的机制化交流平台；条件成熟时，合作推进互访讲学深化智库交流。

Chi Fulin proposed that the Network should aim at building up institutionalized exchange platforms for facilitating Chinese enterprises' investment and cooperation in ASEAN by co-organizing events like Forum on ASEAN-HNFTP Cooperation and Exchanges and by jointly running capacity building training seminars for SMEs from China and ASEAN. In addition, joint efforts should be made to deepen exchanges among member think tanks through mutual visits when conditions allow.

张宇燕建议，打造学术研究成果展示平台，如网站等，提升研究成果的社会影响力；打造年度高峰论坛、年度学术报告等产品，形成学术品牌。

Zhang Yuyan suggested building platforms for disseminating joint research results such as a website for the Network in order to enhance their social influence. Moreover, the Network’s annual high-level forum and annual academic report should be cultivated into academic brands.

新加坡南洋理工学院拉惹勒南国际问题研究院副教授李明江认为，要促进中国企业进入东盟投资关键在企业，建议吸引企业、行业协会共同参与课题联合研究；国际政治经济形势成为企业关注的重点，建议将其作为合作研究课题之一。可以以联盟成员为重点，适时开展以研究观点、研究信息为重点的线上分享会，同时可结合研究研讨需求，邀请非联盟成员开展学术研究报告分享，提升信息的沟通交流。

Li Mingjiang, Associate Professor, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, proposed to involve enterprises and industry associations in joint research of the Network because the key to promoting Chinese enterprises' investment in ASEAN lies in them. He also suggested that interntional economic and political situations should be one of the joint research topics because these are enterprises’ major concerns. Online meetings to share research information and findings mainly among member think tanks should be held in a timely manner. However, non-member think tanks or other research institutes can also be invited to these meetings to share their research reports according to the actual needs of cooperative research and discussion within the Network.

马来亚大学中国研究所所长饶兆斌建议，加强与东盟秘书处的合作，将东盟作为整体研究对象开展海南自由贸易港与东盟的合作研究；结合课题研究重点，吸引不同的联盟成员参与开展联合研究，提升研究成果质量。

Ngeow Chow Bing, Director, Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya, proposed to strengthen the Network’s cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat and to take ASEAN as a whole in conducting cooperative research on cooperation between ASEAN and HNFTP. Different member think tanks should be invited to participate in different joint research projects according to their focus in order to improve the quality of research results.

中国-东南亚南海研究中心理事会主席吴士存建议，将全球自由贸易港发展论坛从博鳌亚洲论坛年会中单设出来，以提升论坛国际影响力；鉴于当前疫情，先行开展线上为主的专题培训，如面向企业跨境投资的能力培训、政府官员能力培训、海洋环境保护与海洋治理等；适时开展智库互派访问学者，以强化人员交流、成果交流。

Wu Shicun, Chairman, Board of Directors of China-Southeast Asia Research Center on the South China Sea, proposed to organize the Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum as an independent event from the Annual Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia in order to enhance its international influence. He also suggested organizing online training programs in view of the current COVID-19 situation, such as capacity building training programs for enterprises and government officials on corporate cross-border investment, marine environmental protection and marine governance. And exchange of visiting scholars among member think tanks should be also organized at an appropriate time.

新加坡国立大学东亚研究所研究员康端严建议，智库联盟成员根据其对海南自由贸易港与东盟关注的焦点及其掌握的资源开发一些合作议题；加强智库联盟与中国东盟“一轨”交流的联系、连接，以提升联盟研究的影响力与实际成效。

Kong Tuan Yuen, Research Fellow, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, suggested that member think tanks of the Network should be encouraged to initiate joint research projects, based on their focus of attention regarding the cooperation between ASEAN and HNFTP. He also proposed to strengthen the linkage of the Network with track 1 dialogue between China and ASEAN so as to elevate the influence and actual results of the Network’s operations.

海南省社科院院长王惠平指出，在当前国际形势复杂严峻的背景下，加强中国与东盟合作，建立互相信任、互相交流的机制，有利于保持和推动亚太经济复苏及经济秩序的稳定，对于全球经济发展具有不可替代的作用。建议在研究中吸引企业参与；将推动RCEP发展、促进疫后经济复苏作为研究课题之一。

Wang Huiping, President, Hainan Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, noted that, in the context of complex and grim international situation, strengthening cooperation between China and ASEAN and establishing mechanisms for enhancing their mutual trust and exchanges are conducive to promoting economic recovery and maintaining the economic order in the Asia-Pacific region, thus playing an irreplaceable role in global economic development. Therefore, he proposed to attract enterprises to participate in joint research of the Network on how to promote RCEP’s development and post-pandemic economic recovery.

中国海洋发展基金会副理事长兼秘书长潘新春表示，发挥海南自由贸易港在中国企业投资东盟中的总部基地作用，需要明确海南相关的政策与服务体系。建议，首先形成吸引企业在海南建立总部的指南；其次形成海南自由贸易港政策英文版，帮助境外企业了解。

Pan Xinchun, Vice President and Secretary General of China Oceanic Development Foundation, pointed out that, bringing into full play the role of HNFTP as a headquarters base for Chinese enterprises to invest in ASEAN requires clarifying supportive polices and establishing a service system. Therefore, he emphasized that, first of all, guidelines should be promulgated to attract enterprises to set up their headquarters in Hainan, and secondly, an English version of Hainan Free Trade Port policies should be available for overseas enterprises.