Zhang Xiaoqiang Delivers Keynote Speech at the “21st Lanzhou Investment & Trade Fair Opening Ceremony and Silk Road Cooperation and Development High-level Forum”

On the morning of July 7, Zhang Xiaoqiang, CCIEE Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, delivered a keynote speech at the “21st Lanzhou Investment & Trade Fair Opening Ceremony and Silk Road Cooperation and Development High-level Forum”. CCIEE Vice Chairman and Secretary General Zhang Dawei attended the conference.

The comprehensive introduction to the Belt and Road Initiative based on CCIEE’s researches features prominently in Zhang Xiaoqiang’s speech. As he pointed out, given the grave global economic problems, a huge poverty-stricken population, and pressing challenges of climate change, seeking sustainable development as an economic propeller naturally finds its way into all nations’ wish lists. The Initiative, embodying a new mind-set in a new manifestation, is geared to peace, development, and cooperation in addressing major global challenges so as to satisfy common needs. It encourages win-win cooperation based on complementary advantages in economy and resources, promotes cultural exchanges and harmonious co-existence, and eventually contributes to the shared prosperity of countries along the routes.

He noted that adherence to the principle of “wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits” and commitment to mutual complementarity and mutual benefit are what enable us to build a community of interest and promote cooperation and development under the Initiative. The key lies in strengthening policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bonds. Broad and in-depth cooperation of high standards should be in place to create a new mutually beneficial situation; countries along the routes should pilot new cultural exchange models and enhance security cooperation.

Building the Economic Belt and Silk Road, as he stressed, calls for a broader consensus of involved countries in practically every field. They should seize opportunities, speed up coordinated actions, and jointly accomplish their shared vision of peace, development, and prosperity.

In addition, Zhang put forward suggestions tailored to Gansu’s conditions, with which it could grasp opportunities to accelerate development.