The 10th Belt and Road Summit concluded yesterday, attracting 6,200 participants from more than 70 countries and regions to explore collaborations, make deals and expand opportunities.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the two-day forum presented insights and perspectives from over 90 key officials and business leaders under the theme “Collaborate for Change • Shape a Shared Future.”
A record 45 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the event covering aviation, energy, finance, infrastructure and technology. In addition, more than 300 investment projects were presented and over 800 one-to-one business matching meetings took place.
The first day featured remarks by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee and HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma.
Special addresses were delivered by People's Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Commerce Vice Minister Yan Dong, PRC State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council Vice Chairman Li Zhen and PRC National Development and Reform Commission Deputy Secretary General Xiao Weiming.
The event’s keynote address was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia Sun Chanthol, who spoke on major infrastructure projects launched under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“Over the past decade, Cambodia has achieved remarkable progress with support from China under the BRI framework. Together, we have built over 3,000 kilometres of national roads and 16 major bridges, transforming the daily lives of millions of Cambodians. It has boosted tourism, reduced costs and enhanced Cambodia's role as a regional trade hub,” he said.
Two sessions on major urban development projects in Thailand and Saudi Arabia drew strong attention, while investment ventures presented as part of the Middle East & ASEAN Market Focus were also well-received.
A dialogue hosted by HKSAR Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau featured key government officials from Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan speaking on the latest policies and development opportunities related to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Also of note was a discussion on business prospects in the ASEAN region featuring investors from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Malaysia and a keynote presentation by the Governor of the Astana International Finance Centre, Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile, innovative solutions and industry strengths were presented by over 120 exhibitors on-site, including a new zone showcasing ASEAN organisations.
Delegates spoke enthusiastically about the numerous opportunities for collaboration and deal-making presented at the forum.
Leader of a mission of businesspeople from Kuwait, film studio CEO Ms Manal AlGharabally said the Summit had affirmed the city as the best place to support businesses to expand and connect: “I advise any company that wants global exposure and expansion to work with the HKTDC and take part in this event.”
Together, the Summit’s activities showcased Hong Kong’s strengths as a superconnector and super value-adder in deal-making, reinforcing its role as a functional platform for the BRI.
Discussions continue today at the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable between Hong Kong, Mainland China and international organisations and associations seeking new opportunities for cooperation.
In addition, delegates may continue discussions and networking through a dedicated online platform from 15 to 16 September.