Dezhou promotes ICH to strengthen ASEAN bonds

An event focused on promoting the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and cultural exports from Dezhou in Shandong province took place in Beijing on May 23. Under the theme "Join Dezhou in Cooperation with ASEAN", the event featured ICH displays, performances, and business networking aiming at strengthening connections between the city and ASEAN member states.

Dezhou black pottery is a national-level intangible cultural heritage skill. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN–China Center, said the center will keep supporting local-level exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN. Li Hong, deputy director-general of Shandong Foreign Affairs Office, announced plans for regular ICH shows, skill workshops, and folk activities to foster stronger people-to-people ties.

Dezhou Vice-Mayor Chen Haiming promoted the city's cultural tourism resources, expressing a desire to use cultural exports as a means to promote mutual understanding and collaboration in industry, trade, and culture.

Attendees take photos of Dezhou's cultural creative products. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The event saw more than 200 participants, including ambassadors from the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar, alongside business representatives, tourism officials, journalists, and international students. Twenty-five cultural enterprises and institutions from Dezhou displayed more than 100 ICH items and artworks. Following the opening ceremony, a cultural gala and an ICH exhibition were also held.

（chinadaily.com.cn）