China Daily Belt and Road Networking Reception Promoting Economic and Trade Cooperation

Dec 20, 2017 Hong Kong: China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable held a Belt and Road Networking Reception from 17:15-20:00 on December 20.

Mr. Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung, GBM, GBS, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; TENGKU Dato' Sirajuzzaman, Consul-General, Consulate General of Malaysia in the HKSAR & Macau SAR; Mr. Abdul Qadir MEMON, Consul-General, Consulate-General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the HKSAR & Macau SAR; Consul-Generals from more than 27 countries, as well as more than 200 delegates attended the reception.

Mr. Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung said that, well developed infrastructure is a critical factor that enabling Hong Kong to capture opportunities arising from the “Belt and Rad” initiative in the Bay Area development to sustain our economic growth and strength. Enhancing Hong Kong’s connectivity with the mainland through boosting exchanges between Hong Kong and major mainland cities to forge development of complementary advantages.

TENGKU Dato' Sirajuzzaman said that, China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Free Trade Agreement was followed by Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, which was just signed during the recent ASEAN Summit in Manila. This is a testimony to the fruitful bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Mr. Abdul Qadir MEMON said that, “Belt and Road” initiative will create an enabling environment for the region to realize its true economic and trade potential and usher into a new era of progress and development. By developing the land and maritime linkages, the belt and road initiative will be a catalyst to help bring more people to people interaction which we believe is essential for global peace and stability. Pakistan and China have a very special relationship where both countries are working together for regional, economic development, peace and stability.

In his report to the recent 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping referred to the Belt and Road Initiative five times as a magnificent blueprint for boosting the economic development of all the countries and regions involved. The Belt and Road Initiative is not just about trade and investment but also cultural exchanges. A source at the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China has said that, over the past four years, economic and trade cooperation among the Belt and Road countries and regions has been further strengthened for mutual benefit in various fields, and the degree of cooperation has been continuously enhanced. “Made in China” products , the use of Chinese skills and technology in the construction sector and Chinese services have been popular among more countries along the Belt and Road route, while more and more products, services, technologies and capital from these countries have flowed into China. According to an official from the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese mainland has, to date, signed more than 300 cooperation agreements and plans for cultural exchanges with the participating nations, and has established multilateral cultural cooperation mechanisms with East European and Arab countries, plus member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

About China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable
The China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable is a by-invitation network of movers and shakers in Asia providing platforms for focused dialogue, issue investigation, and possible collective action on strategic issues relating to economic, business and social development in Asia. Our aim is to enhance communication and increase mutual understanding between China, Asian and Western countries. Roundtable events are held in major cities across Asia.


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