China, South Asia join hands in Belt and Road Initiative

Since 2004, eight SAARC member states—namely India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Afghanistan—have been seeking shared benefits through extensive consultation and joint contribution with China through  the 13^th China-South Asia Business Forum, a sideline of the 5^th China-South Asia Expo.

At the time as the 40^th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up, this year’s forum defined its theme as “Shaping Future Together—Industrial Cooperation of Mutual Opening”. The attendees carried out heated discussions on the state of the world, the economy, opening up, cooperation, the future and younger generations. Each made their positive voices heard.

 “We’ve made great progress in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative since it was first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. Therefore, we’re looking forward to further promoting connectivity and regional economic integration. I’m convinced that this forum will mark a milestone in the building of the Belt and Road,” said Ismail Ghazanfar, vice chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, when he presided over the forum.

The South Asian sub-continent is hopeful and promising. The region is expected to become a new growth centre for Asia and the world. Growth there is expected to provide China with opportunities for industrial cooperation, setting up joint ventures and making investments, said Ruwan Edirisinghe, chairman of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chairman of the Sri Lankan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

All opinions point in the same direction—mutual understanding, common development, win-win cooperation and improving people’s well-being.

In 2017, the trade volume between China and South Asian countries reached 126.8 billion U.S. dollars, including a trade volume of 587 million U.S. dollars between Yunnan province and South Asian countries. This regional cooperation has brought all involved countries a stronger sense of fulfilment.

 “Indian SMEs can help Chinese SMEs in the use of information technology, in production and inventory management. Meanwhile, Chinese SMEs can share technological progress with their Indian counterparts. Bangladesh can exert its advantages concerning skilled workers in the garment industry. In short, South Asian countries and China can achieve common progress,” said Ganesh Gupta, chairman of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations.

 “We invite Chinese entrepreneurs to Bangladesh. You may consider transferring your industries to our country. We can provide favourable policies, sound infrastructure, a skilled labour force and a growing market,” said Mozumdar, CEO of Bangladesh Indenting Agents’ Association.

 “We need to shape the future through further cultural exchanges and get young people involved in our enterprises. To achieve this goal, China and South Asian countries should increase exchanges and cooperation projects,” said Bhawani Rana, president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He hopes that the sharing of experience and views through the forum and other platforms will promote industrial cooperation and economic integration.

China, South Asia join hands in Belt and Road Initiative

Since 2004, eight SAARC member statesnamely India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Afghanistanhave been seeking shared benefits through extensive consultation and joint contribution with China through the 13th China-South Asia Business Forum, a sideline of the 5th China-South Asia Expo. At the time as the 40th anniversary of Chinas reform and opening up, this years forum defined its theme as Shaping Future TogetherIndustrial Cooperation of Mutual Opening. The attendees carried out heated discussions on the state of the world, the economy, opening up, cooperation, the future and younger generations. Each made their positive voices heard. Weve made great progress in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative since it was first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. Therefore, were looking forward to further promoting connectivity and regional economic integration. Im convinced that this forum will mark a milestone in the building of the Belt and Road, said Ismail Ghazanfar, vice chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, when he presided over the forum. The South Asian sub-continent is hopeful and promising. The region is expected to become a new growth centre for Asia and the world. Growth there is expected to provide China with opportunities for industrial cooperation, setting up joint ventures and making investments, said Ruwan Edirisinghe, chairman of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chairman of the Sri Lankan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. All opinions point in the same directionmutual understanding, common development, win-win cooperation and improving peoples well-being. In 2017, the trade volume between China and South Asian countries reached 126.8 billion U.S. dollars, including a trade volume of 587 million U.S. dollars between Yunnan province and South Asian countries. This regional cooperation has brought all involved countries a stronger sense of fulfilment. Indian SMEs can help Chinese SMEs in the use of information technology, in production and inventory management. Meanwhile, Chinese SMEs can share technological progress with their Indian counterparts. Bangladesh can exert its advantages concerning skilled workers in the garment industry. In short, South Asian countries and China can achieve common progress, said Ganesh Gupta, chairman of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations. We invite Chinese entrepreneurs to Bangladesh. You may consider transferring your industries to our country. We can provide favourable policies, sound infrastructure, a skilled labour force and a growing market, said Mozumdar, CEO of Bangladesh Indenting Agents Association. We need to shape the future through further cultural exchanges and get young people involved in our enterprises. To achieve this goal, China and South Asian countries should increase exchanges and cooperation projects, said Bhawani Rana, president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He hopes that the sharing of experience and views through the forum and other platforms will promote industrial cooperation and economic integration.