BEIJING -- The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) next month will be bigger than the forum’s launch in 2017, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday.
In a press conference here, Wang said more than a thousand participants from more than 100 countries are expected to gather here for the BRF late April.
However, China has yet to announce the exact dates for the international event.
“The number of foreign head(s) of state and ministers expected to attend will be much more than the first BRF. It is (a) much bigger gathering with more than a thousand delegates,” Wang said.
He also bared the theme for the second BRF -- Belt and Road Cooperation Shaping a Brighter Shared Future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will open the forum and will host a roundtable discussion with world leaders, Wang said.
Xi launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013.
Wang said there will also be high-level meetings, thematic meetings focusing on practical cooperation, and a CEO conference, the first of its kind in BRF.
“China looks forward to full exchange of views of our future cooperation plan,” he said.
“China will build consensus with the parties on high quality development, follow the principle of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits, champion a transparent and inclusive approach to BRI cooperation, and strive for green and sustainable development,” he added.
Moreover, the Chinese top diplomat noted that Beijing also eyes to agree with participating countries on a lineup of key projects, complementing the development strategies of its partner nations and promote the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
China remains keen on building physical connectivity among participating countries, Wang said.
He also mentioned that this international platform for cooperation has rolled out infrastructure projects in Asia and Africa, helping developing countries boost economic growth.
Earlier, China’s National Development and Reform Commission Director He Lifeng said the BRI will boost trade within the Belt and Road route to 6 trillion Renminbi (USD890 billion).
About USD25 million in loans were also issued. (PNA)
