ACFIC promotes private enterprises in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative

The All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) held a conference in Beijing on Nov 19, on the subject of serving private enterprises in 'Belt and Road' construction and promoting international cooperation.

Gao Yunlong, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chairman of the ACFIC, and Ning Jizhe, deputy chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics, and deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group for the Construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, attended the meeting and delivered speeches.

Xu Lejiang, deputy director of the Central United Front Work Department, secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and executive vice chairman of the ACFIC, presided over the meeting.

Gao said that the Belt and Road Initiative has become the largest and most popular platform for international cooperation. Private enterprises that show active participation in international competition and global resource allocation have become a new force in promoting the in-depth development and construction of high quality Belt and Road projects.

To guide and serve private enterprises in their participation in Belt and Road construction is an important mission assigned by the Party Central Committee to the ACFIC, said Xu Lejiang at the conference.

Federations of industry and commerce at all levels must follow the CPC's leadership in fully developing international cooperation, and gain a better understanding of the role of such cooperation in national diplomatic work, he added.

Efforts should be made to establish high-end international cooperation platforms, focus on new technologies and industrial transformation, promote upgrades to economic and trade parks in foreign countries, and provide targeted services and police guidance to enable private enterprises to increase their legal compliance and prevent business risks.

Government and business representatives provided an analysis of the current political and economic situation, introduced the policy service measures for enterprises, and gave guidance for improving enterprises' international operation level.

Following a survey, the conference published a report on the current state of Chinese private enterprises in the construction of the Belt and Road.

Enterprise representatives, including Nan Cunhui, vice chairman of the ACFIC and chairman of CHINT, a world renowned smart energy solution provider; Zhou Qunfei, chairman of Lens Technology Co Ltd; and Wang Licheng, chairman of the China-Africa Non-governmental Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Board of Directors of Holley Group, shared their experiences in Belt and Road construction.

Regional industry and commerce federations in Beijing, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Guangdong, and Xiamen and three chambers of commerce exchanged views on how to promote international cooperation and better guide and serve private enterprises in Belt and Road cooperation.