Premier Li Keqiang sent a message of congratulations to the launching ceremony of the 2018 China-ASEAN Year of Innovation, which was held on April 12 in Beijing.

“As the new round of technological and industrial revolution is sweeping across the world, technological innovation is increasingly becoming a leading factor in social-economic development,” Premier Li said in the message. “China is implementing an innovation-driven development strategy, constructing an innovative country and upgrading its economy.”

He said that increasing cooperation in technology and innovation is a common goal for both China and ASEAN to address global challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Acknowledging the achievements of the China-ASEAN cooperation in technological and cultural exchanges, and construction of joint laboratory and industrial parks, he hoped that both sides can seize the opportunity of the China-ASEAN Year of Innovation to upgrade technology cooperation and bring new energy to the regional cooperation and development.

Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong also sent his congratulations to the ceremony, which also launched the China-ASEAN innovation forum.