Planning Together, Building Together, and Benefiting Together

In the golden hues of October, guests were warmly embraced under azure skies and amidst fluttering red flags.

On the morning of October 18^th, 2023, the opening ceremony of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Over the past 10 years since the proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), its sphere of collaboration has expanded from the Eurasian continent to Africa and Latin America. With more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations signing cooperative agreements under its banner, and the establishment of over 20 multilateral cooperation platforms in various professional fields, the Belt and Road cooperation has progressed from "sketching the outline" to "filling in the details."

Enterprises and media across nations are keenly tracking this year’s forum, particularly its aim to enhance policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity among participating countries. They highly appreciate the cooperation and achievements of the Belt and Road countries over the past decade, viewing the initiative as a platform for win-win cooperation and a crucial practical platform for advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

With a civilization spanning five millennia, Chinese culture continues to flourish, leaving a profound impression on foreign journalists reporting from China. "Many of our team members are visiting Beijing for the first time. Over the past few days, we have toured many historical sites such as the Summer Palace, as well as visited places like Qianmen and various museums. The warmth of the Chinese people and the richness of Chinese culture have greatly captivated us," said Sofia, the China editor of Russia Today (RT). Sofia, who studied Chinese during her university years and spent a year studying Chinese at Heilongjiang University, conveyed in fluent Mandarin that, as a Russian television station, they not only focus on reporting the visits of Russian leaders to China but also actively follow the integration between the Eurasian Economic Union and the BRI.

 "The forum has provided a platform for journalists from various countries to exchange ideas. I am delighted to share reporting experiences and feelings with journalists from different countries here," said Sarita, a reporter from the Nepal Press Association. "I believe that under the BRI, the friendship between Nepal and China, as well as other participating countries, will continue to strengthen, and the future of cooperation is promising."

Food security is a vital guarantee for world peace and development, and agricultural cooperation is a common aspiration of Belt and Road countries.     

Sarita's interview with journalist at the Media Centre

Speaking to the press, Hilak, a journalist from the Eritrean Ministry of Information, expressed deep appreciation for China's extensive cooperation with Eritrea in agriculture, healthcare infrastructure, and technology transfer. Agriculture is the backbone of many African countries, including Eritrea, and Chinese expertise in areas such as leguminous crops, fruit tree horticulture, and oilseeds has yielded significant results in Eritrea. "This year marks not only the 10th anniversary of the BRI but also the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Eritrea and China. As a participating Belt and Road country, Eritrea has greatly benefited. I believe Eritrea will continue to actively integrate into the BRI in the future for mutual benefit, " Hilak said.

As a leading enterprise in China's agricultural and grain industry, COFCO Corporation adheres to the "Go Global" strategy, focusing on global deployment in Belt and Road countries and regions. It is paving new paths for trade circulation, leading the creation of a digital trading system, and deeply promoting agricultural interconnectivity under the BRI. Lyu Jun, secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and chairman of COFCO Corporation, stated that in the future, COFCO Corporation will fully leverage its global layout and full industry chain advantages as an international grain trader, adhere to the principles of "planning together, building together, and benefiting together, " actively promote deeper and more solid agricultural cooperation under the BRI, contribute to common prosperity, and make new contributions to the in-depth construction of a global community with a shared future for mankind.

At the Belt and Road CEO Conference, China Tea Co., Ltd., a member enterprise of COFCO Corporation, inked agreements with companies from Senegal, Algeria, and other countries. "Drinking tea is deeply ingrained in the daily lives of the Senegalese, and Chinese green tea, with its distinct flavor and quality, is warmly embraced by locals," remarked Zhang Yan, manager of Senegal's Floria Food SARL, "Through this signing ceremony, we aim to fortify our collaboration with China Tea Co., Ltd., fostering high-quality development under the BRI, enriching the Senegalese market, and promoting Chinese tea culture in Senegal and the broader Northwest African region. "

Journalists watch the opening ceremony live stream in the Media Centre

In 2013, the completion and operation of Angel Yeast Co., Ltd.'s factory in Egypt marked a milestone, equipped with cutting-edge yeast processing technology and internationally advanced intelligent equipment. This endeavor not only bolstered foreign exchange earnings but also increased employment opportunities, contributed to tax revenues, and nurtured a team of skilled technical professionals in Egypt. "President and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping's keynote address at the opening ceremony has galvanized our resolve and provided strategic direction for enhanced operations and growth in Egypt," affirmed Liu Jun, general manager of Angel Yeast (Egypt) Co., Ltd. "Moving forward, our Egyptian subsidiary will further expand production capacity, diversify product offerings, and play a pivotal role in local economic and social progress."

New Hope Group stands as one of China's largest feed production and agricultural and animal husbandry enterprises, with a legacy of over two decades of "Go Global" endeavors and a footprint spanning more than twenty countries. Liu Yonghao, the group's chairman, stated that the BRI not only facilitates the significant development of enterprises but also brings technology, equipment, and services to the local areas, promotes employment, and drives local economic development. Looking ahead, New Hope Group remains committed to leveraging domestic expertise and experiences to elevate industry development level across the globe.