A pre-recorded keynote speech by Gao Yunlong, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, was broadcast at the opening of the Sixth Belt and Road Summit, which was recently held in Hong Kong. 

In his speech, Gao, also chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), pointed out the positive role of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in boosting international cooperation, spurring economic growth of countries and regions involved in the BRI and improving people’s livelihoods since its launch eight years ago. 

He highlighted Hong Kong's role as a "super link" in drawing on its strengths in international finance, trade and professional services to promote Belt and Road construction, adding that the central government has attached great importance to Hong Kong's function as a platform for the Belt and Road construction in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035. 

He stressed the need to maintain openness and cooperation, promote regional and global trade liberalization and facilitation, and stick to innovation-driven growth and sustainable development so as to help the world economy cope with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He also said the ACFIC will closely work with the industrial and commercial associations of BRI countries and deepen its cooperation and exchanges with Hong Kong in order to promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road. 

Focusing on promoting regional and international trade for economic growth, the summit was jointly hosted by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.