Forum lauds youth as future of NE Asia

Agreements for 29 cooperative initiatives, collectively valued at 1.41 billion yuan ($193.4 million), were reached during the forum, organized by the China International Youth Exchange Center and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Jilin Provincial Committee among others.

The delivery of the Northeast Asia Economic Cooperation Changchun Declaration for Young Entrepreneurs in six languages marked a highlight during the forum, which emphasized the historical and practical importance of a united and stable Northeast Asia.

The declaration helped reach a consensus on establishing a mechanism for exchange and cooperation among young entrepreneurs in Northeast Asia.

It called on young entrepreneurs from the region to leverage abundant resources and create new market opportunities, fostering inclusive, balanced and cooperative regional development.

Young generations are encouraged to take concrete actions to promote the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, in a bid to contribute wisdom and strength to the healthy development of the regional and global economy, according to the declaration.

Forum attendees expressed their determination to contribute to regional prosperity and stability, in line with global trends favoring peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit.

Park Jae-keun, executive vice-chairperson of the National Youth Committee of the Together Democratic Party of Korea, expressed his appreciation for his first participation in the youth entrepreneurs forum.

The geographical proximity and economic integration between South Korea and China should be the basis for a long-lasting and close cooperative relationship.

It is hoped that the young generations of both countries can promote economic development between South Korea and China, Park said at the forum.

During an exclusive interview with China Daily, Park emphasized Jilin province's inherent advantages within the Northeast Asian region, both in terms of geography and regular interactions.

These factors, he said, have significantly impressed him and fueled his optimism regarding the prospects of development in the region. With a resolute commitment, he pledged to seek novel avenues for mutual growth.

He also lauded the warmth of the local community in Jilin, as well as the favorable investment environment he found in the province.