IMPERIAL SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2024

THE CHINESE PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION FOR FRIENDSHIP WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES (CPAFFC)

The CPAFFC is a national people’s organisation engaged in people-to-people diplomacy of the People’s Republic of China. Founded in 1954, it aims to enhance international friendship, promote cooperation, foster world peace and promote common development. On behalf of the Chinese people, it makes friends and deepens friendship in the international community and various countries around the world, lays and expands the social basis of friendly relations between China and other countries, and works for the cause of human progress and solidarity. The CPAFFC plays a significant role in managing China’s sister city relationships and coordinates various influence operations abroad. It has established relationships with nearly 413 non-government organizations in 157 countries.

THE AUSTRALIA AND CHINA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION (ACFEA)

The ACFEA was registered in September 2005 in New South Wales, Australia, as a non-profit organisation. The president of the association is Dr Chau Chak Wing, a prestigious leader in the Chinese community of Australia. Its Advisory Board consists of members interested in promoting people-to-people contact between Australia and China. The ACFEA’s mission is to foster friendly exchanges and people-to-people connections between Australia and China in areas such as trade, economy, culture, education, arts, and science, while also organising high-profile bilateral dialogues or events. The ACFEA headquarters is in Sydney, Australia, with representative offices located in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. The organisation continues to play an important role in facilitating cultural and economic ties between Australia and China, reflecting the ongoing significance of the bilateral relationship.

PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE

The People’s Government of Guangdong Province governs China’s southernmost mainland province, adjacent to the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions. As of 2023, Guangdong’s GDP reached an impressive 13.57 trillion yuan, maintaining its status as the country’s economic leader for 35 consecutive years. The province boasts a diverse industrial structure, with the manufacturing sector contributes 32.7% to the regional GDP, while modern services account for 65% of the service sector. Innovation is a cornerstone of Guangdong’s growth, with R&D spending hitting approximately 460 billion yuan, or 3.39% of its GDP, positioning it at the forefront of China’s innovation rankings. The business landscape is robust, featuring over 18 million registered entities, including 7.8 million enterprises. Additionally, the ongoing development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative remains a key priority, aiming to further integrate the region and enhance its global competitiveness, solidifying Guangdong’s role as a key player in China’s economic development.

CLUB DE MADRID

Club de Madrid is the world’s largest forum of democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers, who leverage their unique leadership experience and global reach to strengthen inclusive democratic practice and improve the well-being of people around the world. As a non-partisan and international non-profit organisation, Club de Madrid counts on the hands-on governance experience of more than 100 Members from over 70 countries, along with a global network of advisers and partners across all sectors of society. This unique alliance stimulates dialogue, builds bridges and engages in advocacy efforts to strengthen public policies and effective leadership through recommendations that tackle challenges such as inclusion, sustainable development and peace, at the national and international levels.