TCS

Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup attended the 2025 RCEP Media and Think Tank For um in Haikou On May 25, the 2025 RCEP Regional Development Media and Think Tank Forum was held in Haikou, China, under the theme “ Jointly Building a High-Level and Largest Free Trade Area.” The forum was co-hosted by the China (Hainan) Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD), China Daily, and the China Oceanic Development Foundation. Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) LEE Hee-sup, was invited to attend and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony. 

In his speech, SG LEE emphasized the urgent need for deeper regional cooperation amid rising global fragmentation and protectionism, noting that trilateral cooperation is like an orchestra, where each stakeholder plays a vital role. He reaffirmed RCEP’s role as a stabilizing force and called for its upgrade through expanded membership, greater openness, and exploring convergence with frameworks like CPTPP. Citing progress at the 9th Trilateral Summit and the revived Trilateral Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting, he expressed hope for advancing CJK FTA negotiations. He also highlighted the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Korea and China as key opportunities. 

During the interview with Sansha Satellite TV, SG LEE shared his perspectives on RCEP implementation, regional economic integration, and the strategic role of Hainan in advancing free trade cooperation across East Asia. 

The forum also featured insights from Mr. CHI Fulin, President of the CIRD, who stressed the strategic role of Hainan in connecting China with ASEAN markets. Other speakers, including Mr. WU Shicun of the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Mr. Samir Hamrouni of the World Free Zones Organization, emphasized the importance of policy execution, institutional innovation, and international best practices to strengthen Hainan’s position within RCEP. 

Since its inception in 2021, the RCEP Media and Think Tank Forum has become a key platform for dialogue and cooperation across the region, helping to shape policy consensus and promote high-level regional integration. This year’s forum brought together nearly 400 participants from governments, academia, industry, think tanks, and media across RCEP member states.

▲Group Photo

▲SG LEE Sharing moment with Participant