Song Hailiang, chairman of Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co Ltd (ZPMC).

The Belt and Road Initiative is a grand international theater in which actors, directors, and scriptwriters must include people from various nations. The initiative starts with physical connection of high-speed roads, railway, airports and ports. With that in place, it would evolve into a broader platform to strengthen trade and cultural ties.

The platform would push the once loose, isolated and bilateral agreements into deepened multilateral cooperation. It will unleash huge value as times passes by.

ZPMC is a pioneer and a steady enforcer of the initiative. More than 50 countries along the route have ZPMC equipment installed, and I expect the number to grow as the initiative brings synergies and radiates to more nations.

The company is eyeing to expand to Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and other countries in West Asia.