82nd session of UN ESCAP held in Bangkok

The 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is being held in Bangkok from Monday to Friday, bringing together ministers from countries across Asia and the Pacific and other key stakeholders to exchange views on opportunities and solutions for a sustainable future.

Under the theme of "Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific," the session aims to provide a platform for regional leaders to discuss regional demographic trends and socioeconomic priorities.

Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, delivered opening remarks for the session.

While dynamism and stability of Asia-Pacific are being tested by increasing geopolitical tensions and escalating economic protectionism, countries in the region have been learning from one another and finding solutions together to resist external impacts and navigate through crisis, she said.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu also guested at the session and delivered a speech.

ESCAP member states should enhance solidarity and cooperation, facilitate development and prosperity in Asia-Pacific region, and work together to advance the vision of an Asia-Pacific community, he said at the conference.

China is always a part of the Asia-Pacific family, and always supports and participates in cooperation across the region. China stands ready to further experience exchanges with partners in the region, and promote high-quality population development in Asia Pacific, he said.

As one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), ESCAP is a vital inter-governmental platform aiming to promote socioeconomic development in the Asia-Pacific region.

China registered robust growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) in high-tech industries during the first eight months of the year, despite a decline in overall inflows, according to the latest official data.

During this period, the FDI in high-tech industries surged 35.1 percent to 200.26 billion yuan (about 29.66 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 41.7 percent of the national total, a rise of 12.4 percentage points from a year earlier, the Ministry of Commerce said.

A total of 42,582 new foreign-invested enterprises were established, up 0.3 percent year on year, while the FDI in actual use came in at 479.95 billion yuan, down 5.3 percent from the previous year.

During the first eight months of 2026, actual investment from France, Switzerland and the Republic of Korea grew by 39.2 percent, 16.7 percent and 16.5 percent, respectively, with investment via free ports included in these calculations.