As the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2016, connectivity has emerged to be one of the priority areas for cooperation between Asia and Europe. At the 10th ASEM Summit (ASEM10) in 2014, leaders underscored the significance of connectivity to economic prosperity and sustainable development and further emphasized the engagement of all stakeholders in the process of increasing connectivity between the two regions.
The past two years witnessed a series of initiatives towards the promotion of Asia-Europe connectivity. The ASEM Think-Tank Symposium, the ASEM Industry Dialogue on Connectivity, the ASEM Symposium on Eurasia Transport and Logistics Network and the Seminar of ASEM at 20 – The Challenges of Connectivity produced a wide range of thought-provoking ideas and proposals which reflected the common drive of all parties in enhancing ASEM connectivity cooperation. At these events, the role of media was highlighted in fostering public awareness as well as people to people connectivity.
China proposed that an ASEM Media Dialogue on Connectivity be hosted on 9-10 May, 2016 in Guangzhou, China where participants will benefit from the media’s observation and perspectives on furthering connectivity between Asia and Europe.
