Anton Chilton, CEO of QAD Inc

A1 The BRI helps to provide infrastructure and reduces friction in global trade. This is of critical importance to our manufacturing customers. The initiative is forward looking and will help to support the supply chains of tomorrow in leveraging future emerging economies and digital transformation.

As a provider of next generation enterprise resource planning to global manufacturing companies, global supply chains and increased connectivity and visibility provided by programs like the Belt and Road Initiative should deliver benefits to our global customers.

A2 Global trade benefits the world by leveraging the unique skills and capabilities available in each country. Consumers receive higher quality products at lower cost, driving greater demand and creating a virtuous cycle that contributes to global economic growth. The only way to successfully compete with global trade in the long term is through more global trade. The BRI will help countries worldwide to open markets and investment to remain competitive.

A3 The BRI increases the importance of China as a hub in global supply chains and is a driver for Chinese manufacturing. While our early business in China was driven by inbound multinationals, we are increasingly seeing acquisitions of foreign companies by Chinese firms. To better serve these Chinese headquartered companies with a global footprint, we are increasing our presence within China. A significant amount of our global workforce is now located in China and that is forecast to continue growing. We are working with local Chinese cloud leaders to tailor our QAD Cloud offering for the Chinese market.

A4 Nothing specifically at this stage. But overall we believe the BRI needs to ensure long-term sustainable success of all countries affected globally and is supported by a balanced approach to timed investment and return.

A5 The BRI is accelerating the growth of emerging economies. This growth will disproportionally favor manufacturing. As a company that provides Cloud ERP to global manufacturing companies, the BRI has the potential to increase our market and expand our geographic footprint.