GDPC Innovation Training Base kicks off first onsite seminar

On July 12, 2023, the opening ceremony of the 2023 Seminar on High-Quality Development of Marine Economy was held at the Innovation Training Base of the Global Development Promotion Center (GDPC) in Xiamen, Southeast China's Fujian province.

Vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Zhong Haidong, Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations of Myanmar Kan Zaw, and Mayor of Xiamen Huang Wenhui attended and addressed the event.

In his remarks, Zhong said that the Global Development Initiative (GDI), as a vivid practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind, has received extensive recognition and active response in the international community since it was proposed over one year ago. Pointing out that this seminar is the first onsite training program tailored by the GDPC Innovation Training Base, he said that China is ready to use the base as a platform for developing countries to exchange development experience, implement the GDI with concrete actions, and play a part in promoting the realization of the United Nations 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Huang said that Xiamen has focused on key areas of the GDI, built the innovation training center to a high standard, and striven to expand pragmatic cooperation among BRICS and BRICS Plus countries in order to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. He also invited participation in the to-be-launched training programs in such areas as rural vitalization and the industrial internet at the Xiamen-based innovation centers. 

Kan Zaw said that the ocean, as a valuable asset for sustainable development, is of great significance to human survival and development. With extensive coastal and marine ecosystem resources, Myanmar has unlimited potential in developing the marine economy, he said. He also stressed the importance of inclusiveness in the marine economy, and thanked China for hosting the seminar which provides a timely and important platform for discussing the development of the marine economy.

Representatives from the GDPC and local governments, as well as 30 trainees from marine-related governmental departments of 26 countries, including Brazil, Venezuela and Nigeria, attended the event. With a combined format of theoretical learning and field visits, the seminar will offer immersive learning experiences for the trainees to explore the high-quality development of the marine economy.