Yeoh (left) having a discussion with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet in Phnom Penh.
The recent GCET Summit highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation for sustainable growth
THE Global Chinese Economic and Technology (GCET) Summit, formerly known as the World Chinese Economic Summit, was recently held at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Cambodia.
Hosted by the Royal Government of Cambodia and organised by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, the one-day summit brought together over 300 participants from China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and other Asean nations.
The summit, themed “New Partnerships, New Opportunities in a New Era”, served as a platform for global leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to exchange insights on navigating the evolving global economy and fostering partnerships for mutual growth.
During the ceremony, welcome speeches were delivered by the organising chairman of the GCET Summit and KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.
Yeoh, who is also the World Digital Chamber president, emphasised the critical role of partnerships and innovation in the global economic landscape.
His speech was followed by the China Development Institute president and People’s Bank of China’s former adviser Dr Fan Gang, who highlighted China’s pivotal role in shaping the regional and global economy.
Malaysian Chinese Association president and adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister on Chinese investments, Dr Wee Ka Siong, in his special address, highlighted the vital role of cross-border investments in driving economic growth, while Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin spoke about China’s dedication to enhancing ties with Asean nations through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, in his keynote address, called for greater collaboration among nations to foster sustainable economic growth and highlighted Cambodia’s vision for becoming a hub of regional development.
Additionally, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Finance Minister, Aun Pornmoniroth, provided valuable insights into Cambodia’s economic and social transformation and highlighted the vast investment opportunities within the nation.
The summit also featured three impactful plenary sessions addressing key global issues, highlighting opportunities within the BRI and the RCEP, the role of technology and green strategies in achieving sustainability, and the contributions of overseas Chinese communities to global economic growth.
The evening culminated in a grand gala dinner hosted by the Royal Government of Cambodia, celebrating excellence and innovation.
Gracing the occasion as Guest-of-Honour was the Commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Information of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia’s chairman Suos Yara, adding prestige to the memorable event.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of the prestigious Special Business Excellence Awards, honoring individuals and organisations for their remarkable contributions to economic growth and technological progress.
“The GCET Summit underscores the importance of fostering trust, collaboration, and innovation in addressing global economic challenges.
“By bringing together leaders and thinkers from across the world, we aim to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies that can drive inclusive growth and sustainability,” said Yeoh.
The 2024 GCET Summit was co-organised by the World Digital Chamber, ASEAN Economic Club (AEC), ChinaASEAN Business Association (CABA), China Development Institute (CDI), Center for China and Globalisation (CCG), China (Sanya) Public Diplomacy Institute, and China Daily, with support from the Cambodia Camchin Commerce Association.
In addition to the main forum, a China-Asean Roundtable was held the following day to foster deeper regional dialogue and collaboration.
