China is accelerating cross-regional industrial collaboration through its BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center in Xiamen, which recently hosted high-level dialogues with ASEAN consulates from the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The meetings, held this month, focused on advancing joint initiatives in talent development, cross-border industrial projects, and business-to-business partnerships.
Since its establishment, the Xiamen-based center has emerged as a key platform for aligning BRICS economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – with Southeast Asian markets. Current initiatives include standardized certification programs for technical professionals and matchmaking services connecting manufacturers across participating countries.
Analysts note this year's expanded cooperation comes as Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed commitments to "open, mutually beneficial industrial chains" during March's BRICS industry ministers' meeting. The strategy aims to create supply chain resilience while offering overseas investors streamlined access to emerging technologies and production networks.
With ASEAN projected to account for 35% of global manufacturing output by 2030, these partnerships could redefine Asia's economic landscape. Business leaders cite reduced trade barriers and joint R&D opportunities as immediate benefits for companies operating in both blocs.
