BEIJING -- The first global overseas Chinese industry and commerce convention is slated for July 6 and 7 in Beijing.

The two-day conference will attract more than 300 Chinese business people and leaders of overseas commerce chambers from 79 countries and regions, said Zhuang Rongwen, vice chairman of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council.

Senior Chinese officials will meet and address the attendees, who will visit parts of the country to seek opportunities for business cooperation in addition to attending the convention, Zhuang said.

"The convention will play a positive role in engaging more overseas Chinese merchants in China's Belt and Road Initiative," he said.

The initiative, first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is aimed at reviving the ancient trade routes that span Asia, Africa and Europe.