The 9th Belt and Road Summit, co-organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened on September 11 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme "Building a Connected, Innovative, and Green Belt and Road," the summit brought together over 90 policymakers and business leaders from Belt and Road countries to explore opportunities for cooperation and sustainable growth over the next decade.
Opening Ceremony Highlights Green and Financial Innovation
The summit’s Opening Session featured remarks from key figures, including John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and Dr. Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC. John Lee emphasized the importance of green development in Belt and Road collaboration, highlighting Hong Kong’s role in driving sustainability through green finance initiatives. Earlier this year, Hong Kong launched the world’s first multi-currency, tokenized green bond, underscoring its commitment to becoming a green finance hub.
Dr. Lam spoke about the significance of innovation and sustainability in driving growth across the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With Hong Kong’s strategic position as a gateway to Mainland China and ASEAN, he noted that the city is uniquely positioned to facilitate cross-border cooperation and investment.
Global Leaders Discuss Future Cooperation
During the Keynote Address, Nguyen Hoa Binh, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, emphasized the need for international collaboration to promote peace, cooperation, and development in the global economy. He highlighted the BRI's role in fostering these partnerships while supporting sustainable growth.
The Policy Dialogue, led by Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR, focused on the theme “Multilateral Cooperation for an Interconnected World.” Ministerial officials from ASEAN and Central Asia, including Cambodia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, shared insights on expanding multilateral cooperation and building stronger international trade relationships.
Business Plenaries and Collaborative Opportunities
The first Business Plenary, chaired by Professor KC Chan, Chairman of WeLab Bank, included discussions with global business leaders about Hong Kong's role in multilateral business cooperation. Notable participants included Ding Yanzhang, Chairman of Power Construction Corporation of China, and Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group. They explored strategies for navigating the international business environment and creating new opportunities within the BRI framework.
The summit’s focus on ASEAN markets reflects Hong Kong’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, Chief Executive John Lee led a mission to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, further strengthening Hong Kong’s ties with the region. These efforts highlight Hong Kong’s pivotal role in facilitating investment and trade across Asia.
Green Chapter Introduces Sustainable Development Initiatives
A significant new feature of this year’s summit is the Green Chapter, which focuses on green infrastructure, innovation, and finance. The session titled “Charting Green Development for a Connected World,” co-hosted by the China International Contractors Association, included key industry speakers such as Chen Zhong, Vice General Manager of China Communications Construction Group Limited, and Harry Lai, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Green Building Council. Discussions centered on strategies for optimizing green development and exploring sustainable infrastructure projects.
The Keynote Luncheon featured a special address by Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank, who discussed the importance of financial support in promoting sustainable development along the Belt and Road.
Promoting Legal and Dispute Resolution Services
As the Belt and Road Initiative enters its next decade, the demand for legal and dispute resolution services is increasing. A thematic breakout session, co-hosted by the Department of Justice of the HKSAR, focused on building a green, sustainable, and innovative Silk Road through Hong Kong’s legal expertise. Additionally, a session on captive insurance co-hosted with the Insurance Authority explored the role of insurance in supporting BRI projects.
Day 1 Concludes with 19 MoUs Signed
The first day of the summit concluded with the signing of 19 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between government and business representatives from ASEAN, the Middle East, and Australia. The agreements, spanning sectors like infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development, underscore the collaborative spirit of the event.
The summit also offers business matching services, with over 280 investment projects expected to be matched across physical and virtual platforms. Exhibitors are showcasing innovations in green technology, AI, and digital solutions across zones dedicated to Hong Kong, global investment, and innovation.