Final day begins for Belt and Road Forum

World Today

Final day begins for Belt and Road ForumPhoto by Xinhua

The final day of the Belt and Road Forum got underway in Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair a round-table with dozens of world leaders.

That includes the heads of the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund. Xi gave a keynote address to the Forum on Friday.

CGTN’s Liu Yang reported from Beijing.

There were many key phrases that stood out from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech: high-quality development, promoting multilateralism, prohibiting forced transfers of technology, and allowing foreign investors to operate businesses in more sectors with more control, or even full stake.

To elaborate one point in President Xi’s speech, it focused on the significance of high-quality development. To ensure high-standards, the president vowed zero tolerance for corruption and said all cooperative projects will be conducted in the light of the sun, meaning, of course, with transparency.

“We firmly believe that a more open China will make more positive interactions with the world and bring more progress and prosperity to China itself and the rest of the world,” Xi said. “Let us join hands to jointly sow seeds of cooperation and harvest fruits of cooperation, making the people of all countries happier and the world better.”

For Saturday’s roundtable, its guests include the heads of state and government from 37 countries; the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres; and the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde.

Participants were expected to discuss topics such as “connectivity” and the “drivers” for new economic growth, “forging closer partnerships,” “promoting green and sustainable development” and implementing the UN’s 2030 agenda.”

After the summit, the president and his wife, Professor Peng Liyuan, planned to host a welcome banquet for leaders and distinguished guests. When the summit concludes, officials will issue a joint communique, underscoring their commitment to jointly build the “Belt and Road.”


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