ASEAN PLUS THREE

Closing Remarks
Ms. Ruxin XIAO
Director, International Cooperation, China Centre for Promotion of SME Development, Ministry of Industry of Information Technology, China

The ASEAN+3 Start-up Program Symposium featured remarks from the Co-chair from China, who expressed appreciation for the organization, invitation, and participation of startups in this event.

She highlighted that AI presents new opportunities for economic development, emphasizing that APT countries are at the forefront of digitalization, sustainability transformation, and industrial innovation. She noted that this event provided an excellent platform for communication and cooperation, enabling startups to engage in in-depth discussions on sustainable development across four key themes: zero hunger, climate action, innovation, and well-being.

The Co-chair from China addressed the significance of innovations in various sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, environmental protection, and digital transformation, which showcased advancements in technology and business models. She emphasized that the key findings from the study report would serve as a valuable reference for sustainable development and national progress toward SDG goals.

She further underscored the crucial role of SMEs in achieving these goals through collaboration. As a representative of a national government agency for SMEs, she reaffirmed a commitment to promoting and establishing international cooperation mechanisms to support the healthy development of deep-tech startups among APT countries. She encouraged the active translation of these principles into meaningful actions and emphasized the importance of continuing communication and collaboration to drive impactful progress in the region.

Closing Remarks
Mr. Ryo TSUZUKIHASHI
Director, ASEAN Region and Oceania Affairs, Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan

The event concluded with closing remarks from the Co-chair from Japan, who expressed appreciation for his colleagues and fellow Co-chairs from ASEAN+3 countries. He was honored to deliver the closing remarks and recognized the collective efforts that contributed to the event’s success.

He highlighted that this comprehensive report from the APT Startup Program marks the first in-depth exploration of the deep tech startup ecosystem. He noted that the report would serve as a valuable reference for policymakers involved in startup development, as well as a source of examples and insights for both existing and future entrepreneurs.

The Co-chair from Japan also appreciated all deep tech startups for their participation despite their busy schedules. He acknowledged the limitations of his authority in directly enhancing the ecosystem but affirmed his commitment to striving for a smoother and more supportive environment for deep tech startups.

Lastly, he congratulated all participants on the successful implementation of the event, addressing the significance of networking opportunities in fostering new solutions and innovations for a brighter future.