On 25 March 2017, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) attended the Plenary Session of BFA Annual Conference 2017: “Globalization and Free Trade: the Asian Perspectives” upon invitation.
The Session was chaired by Mr. Victor Fung, Former Chairman of International Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Mr. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Former Prime Minister of France, Mr. SHIRAISHI Takashi, President of Japan National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Mr. Mike Froman, Former US Trade Representative, Mr. Jin Liqun, President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Ms. Jenny Shipley, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Zhou Xiaochuan, Governor of People’s Bank of China, and Mr. Zhu Min, Former Deputy Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, expressed their views on the theme of the Session.
Mr. Goh Chok Tong said that most countries benefited from globalization. Despite some twists and turns, the trend of globalization remains the same. The parties should properly deal with problems originated from globalization, and strive for win-win results. Mr. Jean-Pierre Raffarin said that most Europe countries are in favour of globalization. The countries should continue to adhere to the opening up principle, and meet challenges and risks through cooperation. Mr. Shiraishi Takashi said that East Asia is an important promoter of globalization. The countries should promote relevant free trade agreement to take effect at an early date and push for the further development of regional economic integration. Mr. Mike Froman said that although the US has retreated from the TPP, the other global or regional free trade negotiations are still on the way. The world trade is facing a more inclusive and open prospect. Mr. Jin Liqun said that globalization will not harm the interest of any country. For the issues such as the raise of unemployment rate, the government should address the issues by adjusting its macro-economic policies, rather than simply denying globalization. Ms. Jenny Shipley said that globalization not only relates to politics and economy, but also is a social phenomenon. Under the background of globalization, people’s expectation towards the economic and social development also changes, which the governments should give their due attention. Mr. Zhou Xiaochuan said that all countries must face the trend of globalization and free trade. Relevant tax policies should be designed to promote trade flow. Mr. Zhu Min said that nowadays, the world economies are closely connected to each other and are bound together for good or bad. Facing the risks in the age of globalization, international organizations should play their roles with a global perspective to maintain the sustainable, stable and healthy development of the world economy.