Nanning Hosts Global Mayors Dialogue for ASEAN Collaboration

Strengthening Ties Between Chinese and ASEAN Cities

Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in South China, is hosting the Global Mayors Dialogue – Nanning from January 15 to 18, 2025. This event aims to enhance exchanges and cooperation among cities in China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) across various sectors, including economy, trade, culture, and tourism.

Nanning’s Role as a Key Gateway

As the closest Chinese provincial capital to ASEAN nations and the permanent site for the China-ASEAN Expo, Nanning is pivotal in promoting openness and collaboration between China and ASEAN countries. The city has evolved into a significant tourism hub, facilitating travel between China and ASEAN destinations while welcoming visitors from the region.

Significant Growth in Inbound Tourism

Remarkable Increase in Visitor Numbers

Recent statistics reveal that Nanning welcomed 151,500 inbound overnight visitors from January to November 2024, marking a substantial year-on-year increase of 122.06%. Notably, over half of these travelers originated from ASEAN countries.

Visa Policy Enhancements Fueling Growth

The introduction of a 240-hour transit visa-free policy in December 2024 has streamlined entry for international tourists, further boosting expectations for continued growth in inbound tourism through Nanning.

Cultural and Tourism Initiatives

Strategies to Enhance International Presence

To bolster its global standing, Nanning’s cultural and tourism authorities have implemented strategies termed “going abroad” and “inviting in.” These initiatives have successfully attracted over 700 travel professionals from ASEAN nations such as Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia to explore collaborative opportunities in cultural and tourism sectors.

High-Profile Events Strengthening Cultural Ties

In addition to these efforts, Nanning hosted several prominent cultural events in 2024, including the Melody of Spring transnational Spring Festival Gala, the China-ASEAN Film Festival, and the China-ASEAN (Nanning) Theater Week. These events not only elevated Nanning’s international profile but also fostered deeper cultural exchanges and tourism partnerships within the region.

Establishing Strong Connections with ASEAN Cities

Sister-City Relationships Enhance Cooperation

Nanning has formed sister-city relationships with 10 ASEAN cities, including Bac Giang in Vietnam and Ipoh in Malaysia. Additionally, consulates from six ASEAN countries—Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia—operate within Nanning, reinforcing its status as a crucial connector for tourism.

Geographic Advantage as a Tourism Gateway

Leveraging its strategic location, Nanning serves as a vital gateway for tourism to ASEAN. All capitals of ASEAN countries are accessible within a four-hour flight from the city. Recently, Nanning Wuxu International Airport launched new routes to various destinations including Haiphong, Vietnam.

A Bright Future for Nanning-Asean Relations

Nanning’s proactive approach to fostering cooperation with ASEAN cities through cultural exchanges, tourism initiatives, and strategic partnerships positions it as an essential player in regional collaboration. As it continues to grow as an international metropolis, Nanning is set to enhance its role as a key facilitator of connections between China and ASEAN nations.

PM Courts Big Business at WEF 2025

Thai Prime Minister Connects with Global Executives

During the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged with high-ranking executives from some of the world’s largest companies. Notable firms like Coca-Cola, Bayer, and Nestlé expressed interest in investing in Thailand, as reported by government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub.

Strategic Discussions on Agriculture and Healthcare

In her meetings, Prime Minister Paetongtarn highlighted Thailand’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector and public healthcare. She discussed potential collaborations with Bayer’s pharmaceuticals division, emphasizing advancements in medical research and agricultural innovation. Stefan Oelrich, a key executive at Bayer, indicated a strong willingness to partner with Thailand to enhance healthcare services and agricultural productivity.

Enhancing Thailand’s Logistics Capabilities

Another significant dialogue occurred with Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World. The Prime Minister reiterated Thailand’s strategic role as a logistics hub in the region, focusing on major infrastructure projects like the Land Bridge and high-speed rail systems. DP World showed keen interest in enhancing Thailand’s logistics capabilities through investments in these initiatives.

Commitment to Sustainable Practices

The Prime Minister also met with Remy Ejel, CEO of Nestlé Asia, Oceania, and Africa. She urged Nestlé to support Thai farmers in adopting modern and sustainable farming practices. Nestlé reaffirmed its commitment to Thailand by announcing plans for increased investments, particularly in coffee production, while ensuring fair prices for farmers.

Continued Collaboration with Coca-Cola

In her discussions with Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey, the Prime Minister emphasized ongoing collaboration aimed at improving livelihoods for farmers in Thailand. This partnership aligns with her broader vision of fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the country.

A Focus on Future Investments

The engagements at WEF 2025 reflect Thailand’s proactive approach to attracting foreign investments and fostering international partnerships. By courting major global businesses, Prime Minister Paetongtarn aims to position Thailand as a leader in sustainable development and innovation within the Southeast Asian region.

Thailand Faces Rising Demand for Elderly Care

Over 7.5 Million Elderly Affected by Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases

In Thailand, the alarming rise in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the elderly has led to a pressing demand for additional care managers. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced that more than 7.5 million elderly individuals are currently suffering from various NCDs, necessitating the recruitment of 14,000 new care managers by 2030 to adequately address this growing health crisis.

The Aging Population and Its Challenges

Transitioning to a Fully Aged Society

Thailand is experiencing a demographic shift, with approximately 21% of its population—around 14 million people—classified as elderly. This transition into a fully aged society presents significant challenges, particularly as advancements in medical technology enable longer lifespans but also contribute to an increase in chronic health conditions.

The Impact of Non-Communicable Diseases

Prevalence of Major Health Issues Among the Elderly

The statistics surrounding NCDs are concerning: 4.6 million elderly individuals suffer from hypertension, 2.1 million from diabetes, and significant numbers are affected by strokes and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions not only lead to increased healthcare costs but also result in complications such as vision impairment, mobility issues, and cognitive decline.

Projected Workforce Needs

Future Demand for Care Managers

To combat these challenges, Minister Somsak has projected that Thailand will require a total of 37,000 elderly care managers by 2030. Currently, there is a shortfall of over 14,000 personnel, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced training and development within the healthcare workforce to ensure quality care for the aging population.

Innovations in Elderly Care

Forum Focuses on Strategies for Improvement

The recent 5th Thailand Elderly Health Service Forum, attended by over 1,000 participants, including health officials and academics, showcased over 100 expert speakers and 40 exhibitions aimed at discussing innovative strategies for improving elderly care across various sectors. This forum emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the needs of Thailand’s aging population. By recognizing the critical role of care managers and investing in their training, Thailand can better support its elderly citizens facing chronic health challenges.