Xi attends opening ceremony of Belt and Road Forum delivers a keynote speech

Xi de in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday attended the opening ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. He delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

A total of 10,000 representatives of political parties, think tanks and non-governmental organizations from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative will be invited to China for exchanges in the next five years, Xi Jinping said.

He also mentioned that China will work with other parties to promote a coalition of sustainable cities and an international coalition for green development under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi Jinping said that China will support 5,000 people from innovation sector in Belt and Road countries in conducting exchanges, training programs and joint researches in the next five years. China will work with other participants of the Belt and Road Initiative to promote scientific and cultural exchanges, set up joint science labs, build science and technology parks, and promote transfer of technologies.

He stressed that China will allow foreign investors to operate businesses in more sectors with controlling or full stake. "China will roll out a new batch of pilot free trade zones." He added.

Xi Jinping said that China attaches great importance to the establishment of a constraint mechanism for the fulfillment and implementation of international agreements, and the modification and improvement of laws and regulations in accordance with the need of further opening-up.

He also said that China will not engage in beggar-thy-neighbor currency devaluation and will continue to improve the exchange rate formation mechanism of its currency, the renminbi, and keep the exchange rate generally stable on a reasonable and balanced level.

About China's foreign trade, Xi Jinping said that China will increase imports of goods and services on a larger scale and would continuously open up its market and welcome quality products from around the world. "China is willing to import more competitive farm produces, finished products and services," he said.

He also stressed that China will step up protecting the legitimate rights and interests of foreign owners of intellectual property rights, and prohibit the forced transfer of technology. China will create a business environment in which the value of knowledge is respected, he said.

Xi Jinping called on all countries to create a sound investment environment, and treat Chinese enterprises, students and scholars abroad as equals. All countries should provide a fair and friendly environment for them to carry out normal international exchanges and cooperation, he said.

FULL TEXT: Working Together to Deliver a Brighter Future For Belt and Road Cooperation