Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, capital of China, April 26, 2019. (Photo: Xinhua)
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended and delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation Friday morning in Beijing.
Speaking to heads of state and governments from 37 countries, Xi called for high-quality and sustainable infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and pledged to make high-standard free trade deals with more countries.
Xi also reiterated China’s commitments to a more open business climate for foreign investors and more imports with lower tariffs
The opening ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 26, 2019. (Photo: Xinhua)
Below are the key points from his inspiring speech:
· BRI opens new space for development
Xi said that joint building of the Belt and Road has opened up new space for the world's economic growth. It has also created a new platform to boost international trade and investment, expanded new practices to optimize the global economic governance, and made new contributions to improving people's well-being of all countries.
· High quality & high standard stressed
Xi called on participants of the BRI to continuously advance the initiative along the path of high-quality development. The open, green and clean approaches should be adhered to and the goals of a high-standard, livelihood-improving and sustainable development should be achieved.
China will negotiate and sign high-standard free trade agreements with more countries.
· Supporting 5,000 people BRI innovation exchanges
China will support 5,000 people from the innovation sector in Belt and Road countries in conducting exchanges, training programs and joint researches in the next five years.
China will work with other participants of the BRI to promote scientific and cultural exchanges, set up joint science labs, build science and technology parks, and promote transfer of technologies.
· More open to foreign businesses & No forced technology transfer
China will allow foreign investors to operate businesses in more sectors with a controlling or full stake in the business.
China will step up in protecting the legitimate rights and interests of foreign owners of intellectual property rights, and prohibit the forced transfer of technology.
China will create a business environment in which the value of knowledge is respected, Xi said.
· China to increase imports, further lower tariffs
China will increase imports of goods and services on a larger scale and further lower its tariff rates. Xi said the country would continuously open up its market and welcome quality products from around the world.
China is willing to import more competitive farm produces, finished products and services, he said.
· Call for fairness on Chinese enterprises, students and scholars
Xi urged all countries to create a sound investment environment, and treat Chinese enterprises, students and scholars abroad as equals. A fair and friendly environment is needed for them to carry out normal international exchanges and cooperation, Xi said.
· No beggar-thy-neighbor currency policy
China will not engage in beggar-thy-neighbor currency devaluation and continue to improve the exchange rate formation mechanism of its currency, the renminbi, and keep the exchange rate generally stable on a reasonable and balanced level, Xi said.
(Source: Xinhua)