The 16th Forum of Going Global Strategy for Chinese Enterprises, co-hosted by the Western Returned Scholars Association and the China Overseas-Educated Scholars Development Foundation, opened in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Dec 11.

The theme of this year is "The New Model and Opportunities in the New Era -- Building a Road of Economic Globalization through International Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative".

Vice Chairman of the 11th CPPCC National Committee Bai Lichen said that China is actively promoting the Belt and Road for international cooperation. The forum aims to reach further consensus on cooperation, clarify the direction of cooperation, promote project interpenetration and improve the support system so as to create new opportunities for Chinese enterprises to go global.

Vice Chairman of the 11th CPPCC National Committee Bai Lichen [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Xu Changdong, president of the Western Returned Scholars Association Entrepreneur Alliance, noted that strengthening international exchanges and cooperation and introducing more good projects, advanced technology and experience from abroad is a priority in helping local projects and enterprises go global. In the process, the association will be an active bridge connecting Chinese enterprises and the world.

Vice President of China Communications and Transportation Association Song Chaoyi said in his keynote speech that Chinese companies' investment in countries along the Belt and Road has risen steadily and trade cooperation has also enjoyed sound momentum.

The 16th Forum of Going Global Strategy for Chinese Enterprises kicks off in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Dec 11.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

According to the 2017 Big Data Report of Trade Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative China's total value of trade with countries along the Belt and Road routes reached around $953.59 billion in 2016, accounting for 25.7 percent of the country's total foreign trade volume.

The forum was held in the pattern of keynote speeches, roundtable forums and an overseas project launching conference.

During the conference, the China Overseas-Educated Scholars Development Foundation announced establishment of an International Life Sciences Institute, an International Institute of Health Food and a Capital International Talent Port.

Over 700 guests from China, Russia, the United State, Britain, France, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Ukraine, Nepal and the Philippines and countries along the Belt and Road were present at the conference.