Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference, “In two months, we will host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. According to current statistics, more than 20 heads of state and government, over 50 heads of international organizations, more than 100 ministerial-level representatives, and a total of over 1,200 guests from various countries and regions around the world will gather together for this grand event.” Wang Yi pointed out, “We hope the forum will achieve results in three aspects: first, to summarize and converge consensus from all parties, align national development strategies, and clarify the general direction of complementary advantages and common prosperity. Second, to review cooperation in key areas, focusing on infrastructure connectivity, trade and investment, financial support, and cultural exchanges, and to identify a batch of major cooperation projects. Third, to propose medium- and long-term cooperation measures, explore long-term cooperation mechanisms for jointly building the Belt and Road, and build a closer and more pragmatic partnership network.”

It is worth noting that on March 5, the Government Work Report also proposed to solidly advance the Belt and Road Initiative. Coordinate domestic regional development and opening-up with international economic cooperation, jointly build land economic corridors and maritime cooperation pivots, and promote connectivity, economic and trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Build a large-scale customs clearance cooperation mechanism along the routes and construct international logistics corridors. Advance the construction of border economic cooperation zones, cross-border economic cooperation zones, and overseas economic and trade cooperation zones. Adhere to extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, making the Belt and Road a bond of peace and friendship and a path to common prosperity.

In this regard, the market generally believes that the Belt and Road is not only a thematic opportunity but also a inclusive and systemic opportunity. The systemic market trend benefiting from the Belt and Road may continue for 3 to 5 years. In May 2017, China will host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and cooperation with relevant countries is expected to further deepen.