Chapter One The BRI and International Cooperation

Grand Gathering of Aviation Industry in Hong Kong：The 4th Aviation Silk Road International Conference

At present，international modern transportation means such as road transportation，railway transportation，shipping and airlift，together with the fast-growing communication network，have formed the“Skynet”，“Earth Mat”and“Information Network”for human communication and transportation.In terms of travel time and distance，airlift is the fastest transportation mode with the highest efficiency and flexibility.The deve-lopment level of the aviation industry reflects that of national industry technology，and large-scale aviation engines are highly praised as the“Crown Jewel”of industrial manufacturing.The Aviation Silk Road construction，with the aviation logistics industry growth as its main content，also has become an integral part of the BRI.

President Xi proposed the concept of Aviation Silk Road[1]when meeting with Xavier BETTEL，Prime Minister of Luxembourg，on June 14th，2017.With the promotion of the BRI，the aviation industry has also become a forerunner and key industry in the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

As is known to all，Hong Kong is an important international aviation hub.It has served as a specialized platform with aviation finance，etc.，in promoting the connectivity of BRI aviation.Promoted by Leung Chun-ying，Vice Chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee，former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Honorary President of BRI International Think Tank of CASS，BRI International Think Tank of CASS and RDI jointly submitted a report，which proposes to hold the 4th Aviation Silk Road International Conference in Hong Kong，to the central government in September 2018，and the report received important instructions from relevant leaders.BRI International Think Tank of CASS and RDI were important organizers of the 4th Aviation Silk Road International Conference.

The Launching Ceremony of the 4th Aviation Silk Road International Conference

On April 2nd，2019，the 4th Aviation Silk Road International Conference co-sponsored by the Silk Road Planning Research Center of the CPPCC，Belt and Road Hong Kong Center，BRI International Think Tank of CASS，China Center for Urban Development（CCUD），China Civil Airports Association，and coordinated by LONGHAO Group Co.，Ltd.，had its grand opening at the Asia World-Expo in Lantau Island，Hong Kong.Leung Chun-ying，Vice Chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee，Yuan CHEN，President of Silk Road Planning Research Center of the CPPCC，Fuzhan XIE，President of and Secretary of the Leading Party Members'Group of CASS，Zhiyi DONG，Deputy Administrator of China Civil Aviation Administration，and Angela GITTENS，Director-General of Airports Council International，delivered opening speeches respectively.Qifan HUANG，Vice Chair of the 12th NPC Financial and Economic Affairs Committee，Vice Chairman of China Center for International Economic Exchanges（CCIEE），former Mayor of Chongqing，Baige ZHAO，Vice Chair of the 12th NPC Foreign Affairs Committee，Chair of Advisory Committee of BRI International Think Tank of CASS，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，and Dawei ZHANG，Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of CCIEE，former Vice Governor of Henan Province，et al.，gave keynote speeches respectively.More than 600 representatives and industry experts from nearly 300 organizations，including domestic and foreign civil aviation administrations，International Civil Aviation Organization，international industry associations，aviation enterprises and institutions，internationally renowned aircraft manufacturers，colleges and universities，scientific research institutes and civil societies joined the panel discussions on“The Future of Civil Aviation-Opportunities and Challenges”，“Global Collaboration in Airport Management”，“Civil Aviation Talents：International Cooperation and Exchange”and“Investments in Aviation Industry”.

The Conference was held during the convention of 2019 ACI Asia-Pacific/World Annual General Assembly，Conference & Exhibition and its influence increased.More than 1，000 leaders and entrepreneurs from the aviation industry and global airport industry of more than 100 countries attended the Conference，where they witnessed the achievements of the aviation industry development in the B&R construction and had discussions and exchange of views on development potential of the aviation industry in the future.

Leung Chun-ying，Vice Chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee，says in his speech that Hong Kong should be a“Super Liaison”to promote the cooperation between China and international civil aviation industry.

The 4th Aviation Silk Road International Conference held in Hong Kong is of special significance.Leung said in his speech that Hong Kong serves as a central bridge of Chinese mainland in Asia and an important node city along the B&R.With a large number of local and international aviation talents and successful experiences in airport management，he believed that Hong Kong could leverage its unique strength under the“One Country，Two Systems”and boost the development of the Aviation Silk Road.Hong Kong should grasp the opportunity and give full play to its role as a“Super Liaison”to set up an exchange platform，facilitate the communication and cooperation between China and the international civil aviation industry and boost the further opening of China's civil aviation industry to the international market.

Yuan CHEN，Chairman of Silk Road Planning Research Center of the CPPCC，points out in his speech that all parties could tap the great potential of China's aviation industry through this Conference.

CHEN said in his speech that over the past year，China has made gratifying achievements by focusing on serving the major national strategy to actively promote the internationalization of its aviation industry，especially in infrastructure connectivity with the countries and regions along the B&R.It was hoped that through this Conference，all parties could deeply tap the great potential of China's aviation industry，improve its competitiveness in the international market，optimize the layout of aviation hubs，and do a good job in the international development of China's aviation industry.

Fuzhan XIE，President of and Secretary of the Leading Party Members'Group of CASS，puts forward in his speech at the Forum that Hong Kong should consolidate and update its traditional advantages and build new ones and combine its own development with its service for the overall situation of the country.

XIE expressed that the Aviation Silk Road as an important component of the B&R construction is conducive to building a new coordinated deve-lopment mechanism featuring integration，division of labor and cooperation and complementary advantages，thus fostering a new pattern of coordinated regional development，and is beneficial to the comprehensive implementation of the Outline Development Plan for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.Besides，it can also help Hong Kong combine its own development with its service for the overall situation of the country，set up a platform for international economy，trade and cultural exchanges，consolidate and upgrade its traditional advantages，and build new ones.

Zhiyi DONG，Deputy Administrator of China Civil Aviation Administration，speaks highly of Aviation Silk Road's role in realizing the goals of the BRI in his speech.

DONG stressed in his speech that the Aviation Silk Road is an important link in the B&R construction，and airlift is the first choice for the BRI to realize the“Policy Coordination，Facilities Connectivity，Unimpeded Trade，Financial Integration and People-to-people Bonds”.The Aviation Silk Road not only connects continents and oceans geographi-cally，but also builds a bridge for cooperation in the blue sky.Therefore，it is an important way to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges，economic and trade exchanges and technology communication.

Angela GITTENS，Director-General of Airports Council International，specifically talks about the minimization of the environment protection problems in airport construction in her speech.

GITTENS said that，in the airport construction，land policy should be properly used to minimize the environment protection problems caused by aviation，and the safety problems in the flight area should be monitored at all times to ensure the reasonable operation and effective growth of airports.

Qifan HUANG，Co-Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，says in his keynote speech that business model of air-rail transportation between Hong Kong and Europe should be further exploited and integrated into the BRI and the construction of the Greater Bay Area.

Huang expressed that the Conference in Hong Kong is a concrete action to implement the BRI and the Outline Development Plan for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.Efforts should be made to further exploit the business model of air-rail transportation between Hong Kong and Europe and truly integrate it into the BRI and the construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for the purpose of striving for greater vitality and potential.

Dawei ZHANG，Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of CCIEE，provides four suggestions for developing the aviation economy in his keynote speech.

ZHANG believed that providing better services for the aviation economy and integrating it into the global supply chain is one of strategic choices for sustainable growth and high-quality development of regional economy.He has put forward four suggestions for the development of the aviation economy：1）renewing development ideas，adjusting the planning and strategic position and attracting more intelligent and knowledge-based resources to gather industrial resources around the aviation logistics center planned by the country； 2）speeding up the integration with other new technologies and new forms of business to generate more driving force for new technologies，new industries，new forms of business and new models of regional economic growth； 3）closely linking diversified consumption needs and transforming the transport infrastructures supporting the market into consumption experience centers and distribution hubs in metropolitan areas to serve the frontier consumption； and 4）adjusting the labor division and layout of passenger and cargo airline hubs in accordance with the planning and layout patterns of air transportation network，global supply chain and China's regional economic urban agglomerations.

Paul CHAN，Financial Secretary of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region，hopes that Hong Kong will continue to upgrade its development and service to enhance its level and status in the value chain in his speech.

CHAN expressed his hope that Hong Kong will further enhance its operational level of Hong Kong Airport，improve its quality of air ser-vices，expand its air network，and raise the cargo handling capacity and infrastructure level，while reducing the handling cost of import and export，especially the cost of high added value，and increasing trade with other countries and regions，so as to enhance its level and status in the value chain.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，points out that the Aviation Silk Road will help Hong Kong start its new development mode in her concluding speech at the Conference.

ZHAO said in the concluding speech that the BRI represents an important means of future economic development and the best practice of the new globalization，especially in developing a cooperation mode of“Extensive Consultation，Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits”. It can offer new opportunities and platforms for mankind.The Aviation Silk Road is an important part of the B&R construction and will start a new mode in Hong Kong，which can not only drive the economic development，but also bring benefits to both China and the world.Consensus on the mea-sures and plans to be proposed in the future construction of the Aviation Silk Road should be reached among international friends at the Conference.

Representatives of excellent enterprises on the RDI platform，including Tenghui CHI，Director of Financial Affairs Bureau of Hengqin New Area，Sheng BI，Chairman of the Board of TXR-S Group Co.，Ltd.，Qingxing LIN，Founder of Genesis Technology Co.，Ltd.，Yaobin TIAN，Deputy General Manager of CETC International Co.，Ltd.，Zhizhong DIAO，Chairman of Glodon Company Limited，Lihong WANG，Chairwoman of Shandong Tianzhuang Eco-Benign Plastics Technology Co.，Ltd.，Yuwu WANG，Guangdong Summake Construction Technology Co.，Ltd.，Xiaodong TAN，Founder of Quality & Standard Research Development Institute，Fei LI，Vice President of PERA Global Co.，Ltd.，Yamin LI，Vice Chairman of the Board of Hanhua Finance Co.，Ltd.，et al.，attended the Conference.

The successful convention of the 4th Aviation Silk Road International Conference represents another wonderful performance of BRI International Think Tank of CASS and RDI on the international stage.It not only shows the development process and current situations of China's aviation indu-stry，promotes the exchanges between China and the international aviation circles，contributes to deeply tapping the huge potential of China's aviation industry，boosting competitiveness of China's aviation industry in the international market，optimizing the layout of aviation hubs and achieving a higher level of international cooperation in the aviation industry.

Seminar on BRI Development—Release Conference of Report on BRI Progress（2018）

At present，the international situation is undergoing complex and profound changes and the world economy is facing the downturn pressure.Facing all these challenges，no country can stay immune on its own.To seize the opportunities and meet the challenges together，a win-win path of mutually beneficial cooperation featured with openness，inclusiveness and concerted efforts should be sought，so as to bring confidence and strength into the development of the world economy.

Think tank is part of the important strength to accomplish the above job against the current backdrop.In response to the challenges in the global governance mechanism，it should have strategic thinking and make important and far-sighted judgments.It is imperative to pursue steady and sustainable development of the BRI in the future.To this end，more high-quality think tanks should provide more high-quality products.

The Seminar on BRI Development—Release Conference of Report on BRI Progress（2018）

On April 16th，2019，the Seminar on BRI Development—Release Conference of Report on BRI Progress（2018）hosted by RDI and co-sponsored by BRI International Think Tank of CASS，CCUD and BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance was held in Beijing.

The Seminar on BRI Development—Release Conference of Report on BRI Progress（2018）Yezhou GUO，Zukang SHA，Weiguang WANG，Saleem MANDVIWALA，Shani Calyaneratne KARUNARATNE，Baige ZHAO（from left to right）

Weiguang WANG，Chair of the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the National Committee of the CPPCC，former President of CASS and President of Council of BRI International Think Tank of CASS，Yezhou GUO，Vice Minister of the International Department of the CCCPC，Zukang SHA，President of China-Pakistan Friendship Association and former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN，Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，Saleem MANDVIWALA，Vice Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan，representatives of Kazakh Embassy in China and Sri Lanka Embassy in China attended the Seminar and delivered speeches.Shan LU，President of China Center for Information Industry Development（CCID），Xin JIN，Director-General of China Center for Contemporary World Studies of the International Department of the CCCPC，Secretary-General of BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance，Kui FENG，Secretary-General of Academic Committee of and Researcher of CCUD and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Institute of Business Administration，et al.，attended the Seminar.

Report on BRI Progress（2018） jointly compiled by the BRI International Think Tank of CASS，CCUD and RDI

Leung Chun-ying，Vice Chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee，Honorary President of BRI International Think Tank of CASS and Chairman of the Belt and Road Hong Kong Center，is the author of the Preface of the Report on BRI Progress（2018）.

Report on BRI Progress（2018） and RDI Annual Report（2018） were released at the Seminar.They highlight the important role of the BRI in optimizing the global governance system and promoting world economic growth，and focus on the strategic，overall and trending issues，fully reflecting a national high-end think tank's support for the B&R construction.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，says that the Seminar is a grand event to further integrate international wisdom for the BRI and shows the achievements in the BRI research of Chinese think tanks in her opening speech at the Seminar.

As indicated by ZHAO in her opening speech，on the eve of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that the Seminar was held to exchange views with all parties and discuss major cooperation plans.With the aim of“Boosting the BRI and Deepening Practical Cooperation among Countries along the B&R”，it was a grand event to advance the integration of international wisdom for the BRI，fully showing Chinese think tanks'achievements in the BRI research.

As an important part of the world economic system，the BRI provides important support for the globalization faced with challenges and new impetus for the world economy's recovery and growth.Over the past five years of solid development，a number of influential BRI landmark projects have been implemented with progress and effect beyond expectations and with expanding cooperation scope to steadily help form a bigger blueprint of the BRI.In addition，the BRI has been incorporated into the international development system and included in the important resolutions of international agencies，including UN General Assembly，UN Security Council，etc.Under the BRI，a trinity international cooperation framework based on multilateral/bilateral cooperation，supported by multilateral mechanisms and led by summits and forums has taken shape.

RDI was founded at the moment when the 4th Industrial Revolution burgeoned and the BRI was proposed.Since its founding，RDI has been upholding the“Problem-oriented，Demand-guided，Project-focused and Result-based”principle to do well in the following two jobs：1）carrying out in-depth research on the relationship among the BRI，new globalization and Industrial Revolution and offering advice and possible solutions to key issues； and 2）organizing relevant industry groups，enterprise groups and technology groups to lay a solid foundation for the great changes and serve the global development by discovering，cultivating and promoting enterprises.The 350 enterprises on the RDI platform now cover 15 categories with state-owned ones taking up 40%，private and mixed ownership ones 60%.Among them，some are powerful state-owned enterprises that have greatly contributed to realizing“Policy Coordination，Facilities Connectivity，Unimpeded Trade，Financial Integration and People-to-people Bonds”of the BRI，some being private ones full of innovative spirit，some being excellent middle-aged entrepreneur teams fostered by the country and some being outstanding start-up teams composed of young people born in the 1980s and 1990s，bringing the light of hope for China.

As the new globalization is characterized by inclusiveness，win-win cooperation and innovation，countries should re-examine their domestic and foreign policies to establish more reasonable global governance rules and add new content of the globalization.As the world's second largest economy and the largest developing country，China has made many suggestions for the global governance transition on the international stage and is playing an increasingly important role in the new globalization.The BRI renders a way to revive the world economy and help alleviate the poverty of relevant countries.The BRI focuses on the“Policy Coordination，Facilities Connectivity，Unimpeded Trade，Financial Integration and People-to-people Bonds”to build a community with shared interests，responsibilities and a shared future for mankind.More importantly，China adheres to promote globalization and strives for sustainable and healthy economic development by strengthening cooperation with other countries.

Weiguang WANG，Chair of the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the National Committee of the CPPCC，former President of CASS and Chairman of Council of BRI International Think Tank of CASS，says that Report on BRI Progress（2018）and RDI Think Tank Report（2018） summarize the development progress，providing intellectual services for the high-quality B&R development in his speech at the Seminar.

WANG expressed that the BRI International Think Tank of CASS has provided support and services for the BRI.Since its establishment，it has focused on the overall work of the CPC and China，and played an important role in theoretical innovation and social services in areas of public diplomacy，international politics，macroeconomics，etc.All these efforts have made positive contributions to the B&R construction and won it a good reputation.Report on BRI Progress（2018） and RDI Think Tank Report（2018） summarize the development progress since the implementation of the BRI，study the problems and challenges in the current stage，analyze the relationship between the B&R and the Industrial Revolution as well as summarize and sort out the cases of relevant expert groups and enterprise groups，providing both theoretical support for the optimization of the global governance system and promotion of the global economic growth，and intellectual services for the high-quality B&R development.

Yezhou GUO，Vice Minister of the International Department of the CCCPC，expresses that the reports are of important theoretical significance and have important reference value for the B&R construction in his speech.

GUO said that the reports issued this time not only summarize the progress on the implementation of the BRI，but also give theoretical thinking on the major issues involved in the B&R.They not only make follow-up studies on cooperation in various fields，but also take a closer look at micro aspects such as cities and overseas industrial parks.In terms of a good combination of theory and practice of particular cases and their general application，the reports are of important theoretical significance，and have important reference value for operation.The B&R practices will enter a stage of high-quality，high-level and high-standard development. This，of course，will also put forward new requirements for think tank research.As a representative of the BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance，Guo said that he would like to share with the attendees some of his views on think tank research：

First，think tanks should adhere to the“People-centered”development thinking and delve into ways to benefit the ordinary people better via the BRI，which should be the focus of the next research.Sharing research results is both the original intention of the BRI and an important guarantee for the sustainable development of the B&R construction.Thus，working mechanism，ways of working，etc.，are all the topics chosen for the research of think tanks.At the same time，they should deeply study the relationship between B&R construction and the sustainable economic and social development of the B&R countries，so that the B&R construction and the local economic and social development can well complement each other.

Second，think tanks should keep looking at the issues from a perspective of their dynamic development and do further research on some possible or existing hot and difficult issues of the B&R construction in the new stage.As the BRI implementation and advancement continues，some major technical issues will be encountered during the cooperation，e.g.，how to set up the cooperation mechanism after entering the new stage，how to carry out third-party cooperation，how to build a more friendly and positive international environment of public opinion for the BRI in the new stage，and how to guarantee the safety of B&R construction better.These are all issues that should be next focused.

Third，the BRI，based on new practices，should further advance theoretical innovation based on practices.The BRI is a major innovation both in practice and theory.With the passage of time，the theoretical system of BRI will be clearer.Understanding of the in-depth theoretical logic of the BRI should be continuously deepened，and a systematic theoretical and discourse system of the B&R with internal logic should be built as the BRI develops.Such a theoretical system should better guide BRI practices in the new stage and such a discourse system should be applied to better facilitating and guaranteeing the BRI progress in the new stage.Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that it is an age where it needs and can develop theories，an age where it needs and can certainly produce thoughts[2].Therefore，in a sense，B&R construction has provided a broad stage for think tank talents.We should cherish this age and expect think tank colleagues to continuously explore and innovate in practice，strengthen cooperation，and jointly promote the complementary and synchronous progress of theoretical innovation and practicaldevelopment.

Zukang SHA，President of China-Pakistan Friendship Association and former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN，says in his speech that Report on BRI Progress（2018）gives authoritative interpretation and operational guidance for participants in the B&R construction.

SHA expressed that Report on BRI Progress（2018） focuses on analyzing the strategic，overall and trend issues of B&R construction in various aspects such as optimizing the global governance system，building a community with a shared future for mankind，domestic strategy，multilateralism，financing mechanism，connectivity，informatization，smart city and BRI vision.The Report summarizes the development process of globalization and the progress made in the implementation of the BRI，puts forward the problems and challenges encountered in the development of globalization at the current stage，and provides theoretical support for the new globalization and the world economy's recovery and growth，as well as authoritative interpretation and operational guidance for the participants and parties involved in the B&R construction.

Focusing on corporate cases，RDI Annual Report（2018）analyzes the cases of and summarizes relevant experiences of 350 enterprises in 15 categories，including energy and new energy，new technologies，new materials，infrastructure construction，service industry，traditional Chinese medicine，finance，parks，etc.，in the process of B&R construction，and highlights 20 outstanding innovative enterprises on the RDI platform.The case analysis of state-owned enterprises and private enterprises in the report is of high reference value to enterprises for their participation in B&R construction.

In the process of Chinese enterprises going global，on the one hand，the government should raise service awareness，strengthen actions and promote more accurate resource linkage； on the other hand，think tank should discover，cultivate and promote enterprises，build an efficient cooperation mechanism jointly with the government，society and enterprises，effectively translate relevant reports and policy recommendations into policies and measures of relevant ministries and local governments，and provide more support and help for the internationalization of Chinese enterprises.This has become an epoch topic that must be responded to.

At present，B&R construction has changed from the stage of designing the overall planning and layout to the stage of refining the blueprint in intensive efforts.China's economy has changed from high-speed growth to high-quality development.The new age has endowed Chinese enterprises with a new mission in public diplomacy.

Saleem MANDVIWALA，Vice Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan，says that Report on BRI Progress（2018）will help the world to understand how the China-Pakistan relations form a new cooperation model in his keynote speech at the Seminar.

MANDVIWALA said that RDI has played a positive role in multilateral cooperation for promoting the policy research on CPEC since its establishment in 2015.He believed that Report on BRI Progress（2018） would help the world to understand how the China-Pakistan relations form a new cooperation model，promote various cooperation mechanisms，create many world records of cooperation，and advance the development of regional economic integration.In addition，under the context of changing international situations and endless new challenges，the BRI provides a Chinese approach for global governance.The Annual Report reflects the achievements and successful experiences under the B&R cooperation framework and tells the world why the BRI has become the focus of global attention.

Pakistan highly appreciates and supports the BRI and the vision of“Shared Prosperity and Win-win Cooperation”proposed by President Xi.It also believes that the BRI boasts great economic and diplomatic potential and will change the lives of billions of people.CPEC is an embodiment of the concept of inclusive and shared development and a link between the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.Pakistan will do its best to ensure the timely completion of CPEC projects and welcome all potential investors to invest in the Pakistan Special Economic Zone.MANDVIWALA expressed that through the shared vision of“Connectivity and Shared Prosperity”，Pakistan and China have also resonated with Asian Parliament in the general purpose and principles.Pakistan's Senate will assume the presidency of the Asia-Pacific region for the second time this year，and will uphold the cooperation as the ultimate principle in shaping the future of Asia and building a better and more prosperous Asia jointly.In order to advance this common agenda and vision，Pakistan's Senate also hosted Asian Parliamentary Assembly（APA）Meeting in Gwadar in 2018.The successful meeting has fully demonstrated the potential of CPEC to the world.

Shani Calyaneratne KARUNARATNE，Deputy Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China，expresses that the BRI will surely paint a beautiful picture of the common development for mankind in her keynote speech at the Seminar.

Shani Calyaneratne KARUNARATNE，Deputy Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China expressed that RDI，one of the most influential think tanks in China，plays an increasingly important role in research，international cooperation and the B&R construction，and has done a lot of work especially in promoting traditional and friendly cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

Sri Lanka has always been a pearl of Maritime Silk Road.The friendship between Sri Lanka and China dates back to ancient times.With further advancement of the BRI，Silk Road has been more important and Sri Lanka-China relations have been further expanded.Sri Lanka and China cooperate on issues such as sovereignty，territorial integrity and non-governmental exchanges.Several projects between the two sides have been completed or are under way to achieve mutual benefits.The Hanbantota Port，Matala Airport，Norochchole Power Plant and the expressways，which were built with China's help，have provided opportunities for employment，technology transfer，etc.，between the two countries. Furthermore，Sri Lanka has become a very popular tourist destination，with arrival of 275，000 tourists in 2018.Chinese cuisine is also very popular in Sri Lanka.A new climate of cultural exchanges between the two peoples has emerged.KARUNARATNE believed that so far，65 countries have participated in the BRI proposed by China，pooled the strength and wisdom together，carried forward the spirit of hard work and creation，implemented pragmatic measures one by one，and benefit more countries and people by achieving more.The BRI will surely paint a beautiful picture of the common development for mankind.

Shan LU，President of China Center for Information Industry Development，points out in his speech that Digital Silk Road serves as an important foundation for strengthening international cooperation in production capacity and is essential to promote the high-quality development of the BRI.

LU expressed that as one of the editors of the Report on BRI Progress（2018） and RDI Annual Report（2018），he has deeply realized both the impetus to B&R construction by RDI's research and the great B&R challenges during the process of writing the reports.Facing the complex and ever-changing international situation，the first report systematically sorts out the development and latest progress in various fields at home and abroad since the BRI was proposed，in terms of global governance，strategic coordination，cooperation mechanism，infrastructure，energy cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges in the form of general remarks and special topics，providing practical basis and theoretical support for the advancement of the BRI in the future，as well as ideas for the development of new globalization.At the same time，we have deeply realized the significant role of the digital economy in B&R construction during the compilation process.In 2018，China's digital economy reached CNY 31 trillion，with a digital economy development index of 0.718，after the U.S.in the world.With uneven informationization level between the countries along the B&R，it is of great potential for the Digital Silk Road cooperation with the countries along the B&R.Considering all aspects of the current B&R construction，Digital Silk Road serves as an important foundation for strengthening international cooperation in production capacity，and has great practical significance as an essential option for promoting the high-quality development of the BRI.

The B&R construction is both the process of China's integration into the world economy and that of economic re-balancing.Although this process is much more difficult beyond imagination，it is important for the world people and economies to accept it，which requires all parties to build trust，seek consensus and find a common development path.In the process of the B&R practice，more patience，wisdom and time are needed as well.The Chinese Government was the initiator of the BRI，but enterprises should become the main player of the B&R economic and trade cooperation.RDI has done a lot of targeted advisory work for Chinese enterprises and the B&R countries.

Xin JIN，Director-General of China Center for Contemporary World Studies of the International Department of the CCCPC and Secretary-General of BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance，says in his speech that RDI follows the“Problem-oriented，Demand-guided，Project-focused and Result-based”principle and its practice is clearly reflected in the reports，which are worth learning by think tanks inside the system.

JIN expressed that the Seminar on BRI Development as a warm-up for the upcoming the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation assessed the B&R development from the perspective of theory and practice and put forward suggestions for achieving high-quality development at a new starting point.The Seminar aimed to promote the integrated development of think tanks plus many B&R participants from different trades，industries and media，thus promoting the B&R to achieve high-quality development.

According to BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance and 260 Think Tanks at home and abroad，the two reports are prepared in high quality with extensive information at high level by the BRI International Think Tank of CASS and RDI.Experts and scholars in various fields have done a comprehensive analysis of the progress and achievements in the B&R-related fields over the past five years from their perspectives and in-depth research on the achievements in building a development-oriented regional cooperation mechanism，including pivotal roles of the investment and financing，information corridors，overseas parks in the B&R construction.

Focusing on the historical background of the 4th Industrial Revolution，RDI combines the 4th Industrial Revolution with the B&R practice to conduct practical research and investigation.Providing effective consultation and information for participating countries，relevant local governments and industrial enterprises in China to better integrate into the B&R development，RDI actively boosts the transformation of achievements and promotes the high-quality B&R development.RDI's pursuit and development direction have been clearly seen from its practice in the 4th Industrial Revolution and the B&R construction over the past years.RDI is earnestly studying，and more importantly has been building a platform of cooperation and exchange between political and business studies at home and abroad，between east and west.RDI advocates the“Problem-oriented，Demand-guided，Project-focused and Result-based”principle and many creative practices clearly reflected the above principle in the reports and are worth learning by think tanks inside the system.

With the advancement of the B&R and the implementation of specific projects for enterprises going global，the international community gets to know more about the B&R in a deeper way and more and more foreign friends express that the B&R economics emphasizes infrastructure construction，land-sea linkage development，benign interaction between real economy and virtual one，explores international economic cooperation mode，helps the post-developing countries leap forward，and promotes the equitable and balanced development of the world economy.Therefore，more stress should be put on the economics and more development initiatives in the economic field should be put forward to extend B&R's functions.

Kui FENG，Secretary-General of Academic Committee of and Researcher of CCUD and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Institute of Business Admini-stration，points out in his keynote speech that the reports are a collection of solutions proposed by think tank experts to the problems occurring in the B&R construction.

As one of the editors of the two reports，FENG expressed that he was proud of his participation in the great process of building the B&R by producing think tank products and realized the key role of think tank in the B&R construction.The two reports were initiated by CASS，joined by more than 10 special think tanks and more than 30 influential experts and scholars to analyze the new globalization and the 4th Industrial Revolution faced during the B&R construction.They discussed the issues related to the B&R construction including policies，facilities，trade，capital and people-to-people bonds，also conducted thematic studies on related fields such as the B&R information corridor，urban practices and overseas parks.As think tank products jointly produced by authorities，the reports reflect the global view and its pragmatic style.The motive of the editorial board's creation is that the scholars of think tanks can express their own opinions，think independently，propose solutions to problems while discovering them，give constructive suggestions，and strive to move towards the forefront and key research fields of the B&R.

Many institutions gather on this platform to support the B&R deve-lopment together.These institutions，as well as their products of wisdom have shown the forefront research achievements of B&R Think Tanks.We need further research to provide more effective and representative products.We hope that the top think tanks in China will set a good example in this regard and make continuous efforts to turn the Report on BRI Progress（2018）into a research masterpiece of think tanks and show their due strength.

Participants of the Seminar on BRI Development—Release Conference of Report on BRI Progress（2018）

Representatives of more than 150 enterprises on the RDI platform，including Glodon Company Limited，Tellhow Sci-Tech Co.，Ltd.，Genesis Technology，Shandong Tianzhuang Eco-Benign Plastics Techno-logy Co.，Ltd.，JLianco Heavy Industry Group Co.，Ltd.，LONGHAO Group，Wuhan Landing Medical High-Tech Co.，Ltd.，Xinjiang Asia-Europe International Material Trade Center Co.，Ltd.，Shandong Wuzheng Group Co.，Ltd.，Beijing Shunxin Agriculture Co.，Ltd，Jiangsu Owin Biotechnology Co.，Ltd.，Sichuan Energy Industry Investment Group Co.，Ltd.，China Electronics Technology Group Corporation，iFLYTEK Co.，Ltd.，Guangxi Zhongke Sugon Cloud Computing Co.，Ltd.，Geneseeq，Quality & Standard Research Development Institute and China National Institute of Standardization as well as representatives of 26 media，including CCTV，Xinhua Net，China Daily，China Economic Net，Ifeng，Tencent，Netease，Sina，Sohu，Huanqiu，Forum of Guizhou Satellite TV，Shanxi Satellite TV and SSTV also attended the Conference.

At this Conference，representatives from different fields jointly discussed and exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges in the B&R development process.They hoped to achieve higher-quality development，promote international economic cooperation and realize the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind via high-quality achievements of think tanks.

Thematic Forum on Digital Silk Road of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation

On the afternoon of April 25th，2019，the Thematic Forum on Digital Silk Road of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation，with the theme of“Jointly Building the 21st Century Digital Silk Road”，was held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing.The Thematic Forum was hosted by the National Development and Reform Commission（NDRC）and the State Internet Information Office and coordinated by the CCUD.

The Thematic Forum on Digital Silk Road

This Thematic Forum had two rounds of high-end dialogues. Representatives from the governments，think tanks，the industrial and commercial circles，the UN，the AU and other international organizations shared brilliant views on the themes of“Digital Economy Gives Impetus to Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development”，and“Smart Cities and Digital Technologies Create a Better Life for the People”.Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN，former Prime Minister of France and current Special Representative for French President on China Affairs，Essam SHARAF，former Prime Minister of Egypt，Mushahid Hussain SYED，Senator of Pakistan and other members of RDI International Advisory Committee，as well as Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI and Yulong SHI，Director of CCUD，attended the Thematic Forum.

Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN put forward three suggestions from the perspective of promoting the smart city cooperation along the B&R：1）establishing a multilateral mechanism to promote investment and financing through setting up funds，for example，Foundation Prospective and Innovation can jointly set up investment funds with Chinese institutions； 2）promoting project cooperation between countries； and 3）supporting private enterprises to jointly participate in project investment and carry out large projects through cooperation.

Yulong SHI pointed out that the wave for digital technology development is unprecedented in today's world，and the digital practice represented by smart city construction is profoundly changing our lives.In the digital era，the B&R construction is also committed to advancing the development of big data，cloud computing and smart city，so as to build the Digital Silk Road of the 21st cen-tury by using above technologies.Building an interconnected digital world requires the active participation of governments，private sectors，civil societies and international organizations. Cases and experiences of various countries in smart city and digital technology development can inspire each other.

International experts of RDI First row：Baige ZHAO，Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN，Essam SHARAF，Iqbal SURVE，Mushahid Hussain SYED Second row：Kui FENG，Yilan DUN，Claude LEBLANC，Moustafa HAWARY（from left to right）

During the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation，RDI held an RDI international expert meeting in Beijing，aiming at promoting the urban development and emerging technology application in the B&R countries.The Meeting was presided over by Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI.Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN，former Prime Minister of France，Essam SHARAF，former Prime Minister of Egypt，Mushahid Hussain SYED，Senator of Pakistan，Iqbal SURVE，Adviser to President of South Africa，Claude LEBLANC，Representative of Foundation Prospective and Innovation，Kui FENG，Secretary-General of Academic Committee of CCUD，Yilan DUN，Member of the Standing Committee of and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation Ltd.，Wenjie SUN，Partner of Grandall Law Firm，and members of RDI Secretariat attended the Seminar.

Experts attending the meeting held in-depth discussions on how to further optimize and play the role of the platform service system，to continue providing systematic support for RDI platform enterprises，and how to further enhance the international competitiveness of RDI platform enterprises，to speed up their pace to go global.The experts also reached an important consensus on multilateral cooperation and，in particular，discussed specific measures to provide systematic support for RDI platform enterprises in seven services，including legal service，policy research，technical standard，information service，financial support，culture and brand and capacity-building and matters related to the Euro-China Green and Smart City Summit to be held in Nanning，Guangxi，in September 2019.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，at the meeting

Baige ZHAO said that the new globalization forges ahead with the environment of peace and development and the B&R has become an important carrier of the new globalization.RDI has been committed to leading and promoting the development of science and technology indu-stries in the B&R countries and regions，and continuously attracting more and more international outstanding experts and scholars to gather on the RDI platform.ZHAO pointed out that the balanced economic，political，cultural，social，and ecological progress marked the new historical stage of China's socialist modernization.In recent years，RDI has been continuously committed to discovering，cultivating and promoting science and technology enterprises on its platform，and carrying out integrated top-level design of emerging new technologies，products，standards and brands.Enterprises are the market players of China's“Going Global”strategy and the source of creativity.Therefore，enterprise investments should not be ignored in the process of the B&R construction.RDI has been working for the development of enterprises and helping them understand the political and legal information of B&R countries and avoid investment risks.Therefore，at the time of the 4th Industrial Revolution，“How to Form an Important Force to Jointly Promote Social Development”has become a hot topic.

Essam SHARAF，former Prime Minister of Egypt，Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN，former Prime Minister of France and Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI（from left to right）

Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN pointed out that achievements of the BRI around the world prove it to be a highly effective initiative.China is a powerful country with a huge market，while France has some advantages，especially in talent cultivation.He hoped that China and France will reach a consensus to jointly inspire，create and design some future products by forming a joint wisdom force with the RDI platform，thus pushing forward some mutually beneficial and win-win projects between China and France and promoting products jointly manufactured by China and France in the world.

Essam SHARAF pointed out that today's world is at a crossroads and needs a new global governance system.The BRI enables connectivity of different civilizations，narrows the development gap and bridges the gap between different cultures，which will have a profound influence on human values.The BRI has played a great role in promoting China-Egyt cooperation in green technology and smart city.Egypt is willing to learn from China's advanced development experience and hopes for exchanges and cooperation with outstanding innovative enterprises on the RDI platform.

Essam SHARAF，former Prime Minister of Egypt，Iqbal SURVE，Adviser to President of South Africa，Mushahid Hussain SYED，Senator of Pakistan and Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI（from left to right）

Mushahid Hussain SYED said that the people-to-people bonds are the deepest and longest-lasting connectivity and become even more relevant to the new context of the world.RDI，an example of China's new think tank，has established a systematic mechanism for dialogue and cooperation.He hoped that further pragmatic cooperation with RDI will be carried out in the field of people-to-people bonds.

Iqbal SURVE，Adviser to President of South Africa suggested that the platform should be used to promote communication and cooperation between governments and enterprises，between cities，between science/technology department and enterprise，and between society and media organizations.Iqbal SURVE initiated the establishment of a media alliance composed of 43 international media.He hoped to join hands with RDI to expand its friends'circle，so as to make it an engine for future platform development.

The BRI was proposed by China，but it shares the opportunities and achievements with the whole world.This is a cause that requires the joint efforts of our partners in the long-run.The 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation sends a clear signal to the outside world that with its larger friends'circle，increasing partners and higher cooperation quality，the BRI embraces better development prospect.RDI will put into practice the consensus reached at this Forum.It will continuously enhance the B&R construction，steadily progress in the long-term high-quality development，so as to create a better future.

Pakistan China Trade & Investment Forum：A New Chapter of China-Pakistan Friendship

With China's economic development entering a new stage，the construction of overseas trade cooperation zones has become an effective way and measure for China's economic development under the globalization strategy.Under the guidance and support of national policies，after investment and construction for eight years，the trade cooperation zones abroad through investment by domestic enterprises not only promotes the implementation of“Going Global”strategy，but also provides a platform for domestic enterprises to invest abroad.

The Pakistan China Trade & Investment Forum in Beijing

The development of the B&R and CPEC construction，as well as various preferential policies and abundant resources provided by Pakistan have attracted a large number of Chinese enterprises to invest there. Pakistan China Trade & Investment Forum sponsored by Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan was held on the morning of April 28th，2019 in Beijing.The Forum positively responded to the achievements of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation，fully demonstrated the trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan brought by the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement，and acted as a platform for entrepreneurs of the two countries to effectively hold B2B talks，effectively pushing forward the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and CPEC construction.

Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan with Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI

Chunxian ZHANG，Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress and Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI

Before the Forum，Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan，and Chunxian ZHANG，Member of the 19th Central Committee of the CPC and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress，received Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，and RDI platform enterprise delegation.ZHAO said that since 2015，BRI International Think Tank of CASS and RDI，together with the Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China had successfully held two sessions of CPEC（Karamay，Xinjiang）Forum.The Forum had served as an important platform for China-Pakistan exchanges and cooperation，pushing forward the bilateral cooperation in fields such as energy，transportation，ports，agriculture，bio-medicine and industrial park construction，and further promoting the development of emerging industries and information industry.She hoped that CPEC Forum 2019 would be held in Islamabad with the support of Pakistan，so as to realize China-Pakistan industrial connection and enhance industrial capa-city and economic strength by focusing on regional cooperation and indu-strial development，broadening the platform for enterprise cooperation，and serving key industries under the goal of promoting China-Pakistan econo-mic development and improving people's livelihood.The proposal received the acknowledgment and support from Imran KHAN and Chunxian ZHANG.

Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan，Chunxian ZHANG，Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress，Shah Mahmood QURESHI，Foreign Minister of Pakistan，and Masood KHALID，Ambassador of Pakistan to China，attended the Forum and delivered speeches.Saquib SHIRAZI，Vice Chairman of Pakistan Business Council，delivered a speech entitled“Business Opportunities between China and Pakistan”.

Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan，and Chunxian ZHANG，Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress，attend the Opening Ceremony of the Forum.

Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan，points out at the Opening Ceremony of the Forum that CPEC not only links Pakistan with China，but also helps to build a connectivity framework among South，Central and West Asian countries to a great extent，which will bring great prosperity and success.

Imran KHAN said that the BRI is the cornerstone of long-tested China-Pakistan friendship.He believed that the bilateral cooperation in trade and investment would tremendously help further strengthen the bilateral economic relations.China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement aims to expand market access and create more investment opportunities for Chinese enterprises to produce in and export to Pakistan.In addition to the market access opportunities brought about by the revision of the Agreement，entrepreneurs of the two countries will also exchange rich expertise and resources with each other to smoothly promote projects in Pakistan，so that Pakistan can meet the global demand for import.CPEC not only links Pakistan with China，but also helps to build a connectivity framework among South，Central and West Asian countries to a great extent，which will bring great prosperity and success.

Chunxian ZHANG，Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress，stresses at the Forum that China and Pakistan should continue to expand cooperation，so as to create more welfare for the two peoples and promote the rapid and healthy development of the regional economy.

ZHANG said that Pakistan is the only all-weather strategic partner of China.The two countries trust，support and help each other all the time.The China-Pakistan friendship has gone through the rapid changes of the international community and has always stood solid as a rock.China has become the largest trading partner and the largest FDI source country of Pakistan for many years.China and Pakistan shall continue to expand cooperation in economic trade and investment to create more welfare for the two peoples and contribute more strength to the rapid and healthy development of the regional economy，thus realizing the sustainable goal of benefiting people with high standard.There are a good foundation and favorable conditions between the two countries in this regard.Pakistan's infrastructure condition is significantly improved owing to the stable upgrading of CPEC construction and the completion of the bilateral transportation and energy cooperation projects.Leaders of the two countries have pushed forward the expansion of cooperation in the fields of industry，agriculture and social livelihood for CPEC construction.China-Pakistan cooperation has reached a new height regardless of the increasing uncertainty and instability in the world. Each country shall work together to better build the global economy and safeguard the multilateral trading system，so as to guide the healthy development of economic globalization.

Masood KHALID，Ambassador of Pakistan to China，holds that as the flagship project of China's BRI，CPEC aims to bring tangible economic benefits to the two peoples in his keynote speech at the Forum.

Masood KHALID said that China was the largest trading partner and FDI source country of Pakistan.The implementation of the second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement has laid a solid foundation for the development of bilateral trade in the future and paved the way for Pakistan's commodities exporting to the broad Chinese market.In addition，it would also make Pakistan more attractive as an investment destination.The unique friendship between Pakistan and China has always been firm regardless of the complicated changes in the regional and international situations.In the new era，China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is becoming increasingly important in terms of economy.With the launch of CPEC，the relationship between China and Pakistan has become increasingly important.As the flagship project of China's BRI，CPEC aims to bring tangible economic benefits to the two peoples.

At the Forum，witnessed by Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan，and Keqiang LI，Premier of the State Council of the P.R.C.，Jianhua YU，Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Commerce of the P.R.C. and Deputy Delegate for International Trade Negotiations signed Amending Protocol to the Free Trade Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan（hereinafter referred to as the“Protocol”）with Masood KHALID，Ambassador of Pakistan to China.The core content of the Protocol is to further improve trade liberalization in goods between the two countries on the basis of the original Free Trade Agreement.After the Protocol comes into force，the proportion of the tax items of products free of duty between the two countries will increase from 35% to 75%，and the liberalization level will be doubled，which will greatly promote the export of Pakistan and promote the bilateral trade balance，thus providing huge space for the integrative cooperation between the outstanding enterprises of the two countries.

Zukang SHA，President of China-Pakistan Friendship Association and former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN，Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，and Shah Mahmood QURESHI，Foreign Minister of Pakistan（from left to right）

Zukang SHA，President of China-Pakistan Friendship Association and former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN，Jing YAO，Ambassador of China to Pakistan，Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，as well as an enterprise delegation composed of RDI platform enterprises，100 Chinese enterprises and 50 enterprises from Pakistani indu-strial and service industries attended the conference.Delegates of RDI platform enterprises had in-depth discussions on cooperation in various fields，including infrastructure，AI，electronic technology and biotechnology with Pakistani enterprises.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，and entrepreneur delegates of RDI platform enterprises at the Forum

At the Forum，RDI recommended 13 RDI platform enterprises，including China International Contractors Association，Sichuan Energy Industry Investment Group Co.，Ltd.，Zhenfa Holding Group Co.，Ltd.，PowerChina International Group Limited，China Three Gorges International Corporation，China Railway Construction Co.，Ltd.，China Overseas Ports Holdings Limited，Representative Office of China State Construction Engineering Corporation in Pakistan，China National Chemical Engineering Group Co.，Ltd.，CETC International Co.，Ltd.，Tellhow Sci-Tech Co.，Ltd.，Wuhan Landing Medical High-Tech Co.，Ltd.and iFLYTEK Co.，Ltd.，to support the high-quality development of innovative technology enterprises.

CPEC，as the flagship project of B&R construction，undertakes the mission of extending China's industrial chain.RDI will join hands with enterprises on its platform to actively participate in China-Pakistan cooperation and respond to the call of the BRI，helping Pakistan to realize industrialization and providing more driving force and support for Pakistan's independent economic development，so as to jointly build a China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

The 16th Eurasian Media Forum：Seeking Joint Development with Eurasia

The annual Eurasian Media Forum sponsored by Eurasian Development Fund，a non-governmental organization of Kazakhstan，has been held for 16 consecutive years，aiming at promoting communication among Eurasian media.The Forum was founded by Dariga NAZARBAYEVA，Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan，against the background of multi-party's deep thinking on the significant changes in world geopolitics after the happening of 911，and it was dedicated to enhancing mutual understanding between the East and the West through establishing a dialogue mechanism.As a leading indepen-dent dialogue platform in Central Asia，its main task is to create conditions for politicians，journalists and experts to have dialogues on key issues such as geopolitical，economic，social and cultural development of Kazakhstan，Eurasia and the entire international community.

The Opening Ceremony of the 16th Eurasian Media Forum

On May 22nd，2019，the 16th Eurasian Media Forum opened at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Almaty，Kazakhstan.Armen SARKISSIAN，President of Armenia，Toomas Hendrik ILVES，former President of Estonia，Ivan ROGERS，Permanent Representative of the U.K.to the EU，Tatyana VALOVAYA，Russian Minister of Integration and Macroecono-mic Development Department，Yerzhan ASHIKBAYEV，Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan，Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，Xiao ZHANG，Ambassador of China to Kazakhstan，and Zhuangzhi SUN，Director of the Institute of Russian，Eastern European & Central Asian Studies of CASS and Director-General and Secre-tary-General of High-end Think Tank of China-Russia Strategic Cooperation of CASS，attended the Forum.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，at high-level talks with Armen SARKISSIAN，President of Armenia，Ivan ROGERS，Permanent Representative of the U.K.to the EU，Tatyana VALOVAYA，Russian Minister of Integration and Macroeconomic Development Department and Ghida FAKHRY，Host

At the Forum on“The World Today：Transforming Reality”，panel discussions were carried out on hot issues，including“Regional Integration of Central Asian Countries”，“The World in Search of New Development Models”，“The Age of AI：The Renaissance of Humanity”and“Digital Reality of Mass Media：To be or not to be”.The unique views of the guests on the spot resonated with the attendees.Besides，well-known media workers and attendees from Britain and Australia and other countries had extensive exchanges on the intensive training program for journalists at the Forum.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，presents her view on the connection between the B&R and new globalization in her keynote speech at the Forum.

At the Forum，Baige ZHAO，as a distinguished guest，delivered a keynote speech entitled“Building the B&R with Joint Efforts，Promoting New Globalization”at the Opening Ceremony on May 23rd，and pointed out that：first，the world needs new globalization.At present，a huge vacuum might occur in the global public governance and certain conflict and disorder would become normal，for which the whole world is longing for the new globalization with more justice and dynamics.The so-called new globalization refers to the process of globalization featured with“Openness，Inclusiveness，Mutual Benefits and Sharing”.“Openness”means the win-win coexistence of various cooperation mechanisms，rather than the satisfaction of those with vested interests；“inclusiveness”means the respect of free choice based on countries'conditions and realities；“mutual benefis”means building of a community with shared interests，responsibilities and a shared future for mankind，and sharing of benefits brought about by globalization；“sharing”means realization of common development based on the overall interests of all mankind.

Second，the BRI serves as a carrier of new globalization.The BRI was proposed by China，but it is a cause for all mankind.The BRI，which has inherited the spirit of“Openness，Inclusiveness and Cooperation”of the ancient Silk Road and is endowed with the new era's meaning in combination with the world multi-polarization and economic globalization，is committed to building a community with shared interests，responsibilities and a shared future for mankind.As a carrier of new globalization，the BRI has resolutely abandoned the original unfair and unreasonable elements，adhered to treating each other as equals and with respect，held high the banner of“Peace，Development and Cooperation”to allow all participating countries and people to benefit from it.It emphasizes the principle of“Extensive Consultation，Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits”to ensure that all countries and participants have access to fair development，and targets at“Problem-oriented，Demand-guided，Project-focused and Result-based”principle to solidly advance sustainable economic and social development.

Third，the BRI was first proposed in Kazakhstan.China and Kazakhstan as the pioneers of the B&R construction are both partners to promote the new globalization.Under the framework of the B&R construction，the two countries took the lead in carrying out capacity cooperation，deepening the connection of development strategies and implementing a series of major cooperation projects.They have set a good example in cooperation in which they complement each other，bring mutual benefits to the international community，inject strength into the building of a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind，and play a constructive role in promoting the new globalization.

Dariga NAZARBAYEVA，Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairperson of the Organization Organizing Committee of the Forum，has a meeting with Chinese delegates.

During the Forum，Dariga NAZARBAYEVA，Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairperson of Organizing Committee of the Forum，specially invited Baige ZHAO，Xiao ZHANG and Zhuangzhi SUN to have a bilateral meeting，during which，ZHAO proposed to hold the China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar to actively promote the joint construction of the BRI by the two sides and closer people-to-people bonds.It was suggested that the Seminar would be carried out on the themes of“New Globalization”，“China's Reform and Practice”and“China's Economy and Law”to provide relative experience for Kazakhstan's social and economic development.This proposal was highly recognized and supported by Dariga NAZARBAYEVA and the Seminar would be officially held in December 2019.It was intended to promote the exchange of ideas on governance，coordination and connection of macroeconomic policies and development planning between China and Kazakhstan and reach a consensus on development in line with the fundamental interests of both countries.

Moving Forward Together：Visit to Uzbekistan

With a favorable geographic location，Uzbekistan is a key hub of China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor and an important participant to build the B&R in Central Asia.In recent years，bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Uzbekistan has been deepening and new achievements in interconnection，capacity cooperation，facilitation of economic and trade，and exchanges in culture and education have been made.At the invitation of Tatyana KARIMOVA，former First Lady of the Republic of Uzbekistan，Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，led a delegation to visit Uzbekistan from May 24th to May 27th，2019.

Tursunali KUZIEV，Deputy Director of the Presidential Office and former Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Svetla INAMOVA，Chairwoman of Sog'lom Avlod Uchun welcome the delegation led by Baige ZHAO.

Tatyana KARIMOVA，former First Lady of the Republic of Uzbekistan，Tursunali KUZIEV，former Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan，and Svetla INAMOVA，Chairwoman of Foundation Sog'lom Avlod Uchun，warmly welcomed the delegation led by Baige ZHAO.

Baige ZHAO presents the RDI Annual Report（2018） to KARIMOVA，former First Lady of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

KARIMOVA personally accompanied Baige ZHAO to visit the residence，photo exhibition and library of Islam Abduganiyevich KARIMOV，former President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and presented ZHAO with Islam Abduganiyevich KARIMOV's books，and ZHAO presented Report on BRI Progress（2018）and RDI Annual Report（2018）to her in return.

Accompanied by KARIMOVA，former First Lady of the Republic of Uzbekistan，Baige ZHAO visits the Photo Exhibition of KARIMOV，former President of the Republic of Uzbekistan together with Xiaoquan WANG，Deputy Director of the Research Center of Belt and Road Studies of CASS.

ZHAO said that President KARIMOV，founder and outstanding leader of the Republic of Uzbekistan，was a close friend of the Chinese people，who shaped and promoted the China-Uzbekistan relations.In 2013，President Xi visited countries in Central Asia and proposed the significant initiative of Silk Road Economic Belt，which was immediately and positively responded to by President KARIMOV.He said that Uzbekistan was willing to actively participate in the construction of Silk Road Economic Belt to promote economic and trade exchanges and connectivity and link Uzbekistan's development more closely with China's prosperity.At present，under the leadership of President Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV，Uzbekistan has entered a new stage of development with the largest-scale domestic reform and opening-up since its independence，relieving social problems such as unemployment and poverty，improving domestic business environment，opening the market more widely，and enhancing international influence significantly.

KARIMOVA，former First Lady of the Republic of Uzbekistan，and Baige ZHAO together with the locals

ZHAO said that Uzbekistan is the key to the B&R construction.Realizing national development and rejuvenation is the shared dream of the Chinese and Uzbek people.Under this circumstance，the mission entrusted to us by history is to inherit President KARIMOV's dream and vision，establish a B&R cooperation network with mutual benefits，a new B&R cooperation model，and a diversified B&R cooperation platform，and build the Silk Road of Peace，Silk Road of Innovation，Silk Road of Green Development and Silk Road of Health Cooperation.At present，Uzbekistan's elites do not know much about China and have limited experience in carrying out China-Uzbekistan cooperation.In view of this reality，BRI International Think Tank of CASS and RDI should build a bridge for more understanding between the two nations and jointly launch China-Uzbekistan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar together with the Institute of Russian，Eastern European & Central Asian Studies of CASS，so as to deepen the mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation in various fields，create a favorable environment for people-to-people and cultural exchanges and further consolidate the foundation of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. KARIMOVA highly agreed with Baige ZHAO's proposal and hoped to become a promoter for friendly China-Uzbekistan cooperation.

Baige ZHAO has a meeting with Yan JIANG，Ambassador of China to Uzbekistan at the Embassy.

During her visit to Uzbekistan，ZHAO also met with Yan JIANG，Ambassador of China to Uzbekistan.ZHAO told JIANG that thanks to the efforts of Ms.Hongping ZHANG，Chairwoman of Xinjiang Asia-Europe International Material Trade Center Co.，Ltd.on the RDI platform and Director of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan，“Marching to the Bright Road”，that is，the B&R Eye-care Activity have been held twice in Uzbekistan to provide free rehabilitation surgery for 200 cataract patients there.This activity was carried out under the loving support of entrepreneurs on the RDI platform，playing an important role in consolidating the favorable public opinion foundation and people-to-people bonds between the two countries.JIANG said that she was very grateful to RDI for its contributions to promoting the people-to-people bonds between the two countries.In the past two years，Uzbekistan has issued a series of laws and regulations aimed at developing science and technology，encou-raging innovation，and strengthening talent cultivation and introduction，strove to give full play to the role of scientific and technological innovation in government's administration，urban construction，development of economy，education and agriculture and so on，and made every effort to enhance the strength of scientific and technological innovation.It is expected that RDI will actively introduce more outstanding enterprises with scientific and technological innovation as well as new science and technology into Uzbekistan，and strengthen the exchanges on human resources between China and Uzbekistan through policy communication，elite training and in-depth investigation.

Finally，the delegation investigated Xinjiang Asia-Europe International Material Trade Center Co.，Ltd.，an RDI platform enterprise.It has established China's first e-commerce trading center targeting Central Asia in Uzbekistan.Starting from establishing the China Trading Center of Uzbekistan National Exchange，it has gradually developed into one integrating services such as international cross-border spot auction of raw materials，wholesale and retail of domestic commodities with Xinjiang characteristics，and port public logistics management information service.

ZHAO hoped that Asia-Europe International Material Trade Center Co.，Ltd.would actively promote China-Uzbekistan cooperation to optimize a package of comprehensive services，including cross-border transactions，cross-border credit investigation，cross-border logistics，cross-border supply chain management and cross-border supply chain finance for domestic and foreign small and medium-sized enterprises，thus achieving the goal of high-standard，people-centered and sustainable development of the B&R.

Joint Efforts in Cooperation：CPEC Forum 2019

As the flagship and pilot project of the BRI，the CPEC construction has made significant progress in the past five years，making significant contributions to Pakistan's economic and social development，enriching and consolidating the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership，and building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

By organizing experts，scholars，government officials and business elites at home and abroad，RDI has successively completed a series of research reports on CPEC，focusing on the analysis of important issues such as the early progress，problems and risks，value and significance of the CPEC construction under the BRI framework，and thereby proposing relevant policy suggestions on specific strategic governance，operation and implementation，resource mobilization，cultural cooperation and balanced development.In order to promote the sustainable development of the CPEC，the RDI delegation led by Baige ZHAO，visited Pakistan from June 19th to 22nd，2019 to exchange views with the Senate of Pakistan on the in-depth CPEC cooperation and organize the CPEC Forum 2019.

Baige ZHAO with Senators of Pakistan

On June 19th，the RDI delegation，at the invitation of Saleem MANDVIWALA，Vice Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan and Mushahid Hussain SYED，Senator and Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate of Pakistan and Chairman of Pakistan-China Institute，visited the Senate of Pakistan.Based on the real needs of Pakistan's social and economic development，Baige ZHAO guided the delegates of China and Pakistan in discussing issues at macro-economic level such as economic stabilization，improvement of scientific and technological innovation capability，strengthening of government capacity-building，promotion of think tank cooperation，realization of regional cooperation and industrial connection，and employment expansion，so as to promote China-Pakistan cooperation in such specific areas as agriculture，fishery，tourism，vocational education，medical care and water conservancy.Delegates of China and Pakistan exchanged views in a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere，and put forward constructive proposals on jointly building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future，thereby providing driving force and support for actively promoting friendly exchanges between China and Pakistan and assisting Pakistan in its economic development.

On June 19th，the RDI platform enterprise delegation conducted a field investigation on Pakistan's agriculture before the opening of the Forum to learn about its development status.Moreover，the delegation had an in-depth exchange of views with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad to actively explore the cooperation space.The two sides explored and researched the multi-chain circular planting and breeding mode covering such crops as cotton，wheat，rice，sugarcane，mango，and potatoes planted and growing in most of Pakistan's fields，as well as cattle and sheep，ponds，lakes，mountains，hills and forests with regard to optimizing the combination of artificial production systems for terrestrial biota，amphibians，aquatic organisms，multi-dimen-sional space organisms and the environment. Moreover，they reached a consensus on solving a series of problems in the agricultural front end by virtue of the new agricultural planting and breeding mode，establishing a matched intelligent agricultural park for deep processing and creating a full-chain end-to-end compound ecological industrial system.

RDI delegation with members of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council

On the afternoon of June 20th，Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan，met with Baige ZHAO and the RDI platform enterprise delegation at the Pakistan Parliament Building.Prime Minister Imran KHAN welcomed the Chinese delegation and extended congratulations to the success of the CPEC Forum 2019.

Imran KHAN，has a meeting with Baige ZHAO，Fang CAI，Xiangyang LI and RDI delegates.

Baige ZHAO reviewed the meeting with Prime Minister Imran KHAN at the Pakistan China Trade & Investment Forum in Beijing，and believed that the successful convention of the Forum fully demonstrated the effective implementation of the consensus reached by the leaders of China and Pakistan and the fulfillment of important cooperation spirit of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.During the meeting，the two sides reached a consensus on China-Pakistan economic cooperation and the top-level strategic design and planning under the BRI，including in-depth and detailed exchanges and discussions on cooperation in the fields such as agriculture，medical and health care and digital media.ZHAO put forward constructive suggestions on how to apply China's experience to promoting China-Pakistan economic cooperation and how to construct a brand-new development mechanism by joint efforts of state-owned enterprises and private ones.The suggestions received a strong response from the Prime Minister of Pakistan.In addition，RDI delegates，together with key government officials of Pakistan including the Minister of Planning and Development，Minister of Commerce，Minister of Textile Industry，Director of Gwadar Port Shipping Division，Secre-tary-General of the Prime Minister's Office，and Adviser to the Prime Minister，proposed specific and clear methods for cooperation and advancement on the above issues.

Imran KHAN with Baige ZHAO，Fang CAI，Xiangyang Li and RDI delegates

RDI platform experts and enterprise delegates including Fang CAI，Vice President of and Member of the Leading Party Members'Group of CASS，Xiangyang LI，Director of National Institute of International Strategy of CASS，Baozhong ZHANG，Chairman of China Overseas Ports Holding Co.，Ltd.，Xiaorong SUN，Chairwoman of Wuhan Landing Medical High-Tech Co.，Ltd.，Guanghui CHEN，Chairman of Huangshan Duowei Biology（Group）Co.，Ltd.，Yujun SONG，Vice President of Haier Home Appliances Group Co.，Ltd.and Zihai WANG，Chairman of Pakistan Chinese Enterprises Service Co.，Ltd.attended the meeting.

Distinguished Guests at CPEC Forum 2019 in Islamabad

From June 20th to 21st，the CPEC Forum 2019 was held ceremo-niously in Islamabad.The Forum was sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan，the Embassy of the P.R.C.in Pakistan，CASS，and Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad，and co-organized by BRI International Think Tank of CASS and RDI.Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，Fang CAI，Vice President of and Member of the Leading Party Members'Group of CASS，Jing YAO，Ambassador of China to Pakistan，Shah Mahamood QURESHI，Foreign Minister of Pakistan，Khusro BAKHTIAR，Minister of Planning，Development and Reform of Pakistan，Saleem MANDVIWALA，Vice Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan，Mushahid Hussain SYED，Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate of Pakistan and Senator of Pakistan，and representatives of academia，think tanks，enterprises and media from China and Pakistan attended the Forum.

ZHAO emphasized the coordination of the governments，enterprises and think tanks in promoting the CPEC construction and the significance of the stable political and investment environment for Chinese enterprises'development in Pakistan，and put forward systematic and constructive suggestions for realizing regional cooperation and industrial connection. Then，she pointed out that both China and Pakistan should actively throw themselves into the 4th Industrial Revolution，pay attention to the key role of science，technology and innovation，and promote the growth of their internal driving force through scientific and technological progress and innovation breakthroughs，thus enhancing the national strength.China and Pakistan，both having a long history and splendid civilization，had developed a deep traditional friendship.Therefore，China and Pakistan should strengthen cooperation not only at political and economic levels，but also in people-to-people bonds，thus realizing mutual benefits and common development under the banner of the BRI.

CAI said that the purpose of the Forum was to exchange development experiences and promote pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between China and Pakistan under the BRI framework.The Forum aimed to promote China-Pakistan economic construction and improve people's livelihood，learn from important experience of think tanks and cooperation between two sides，and provide intellectual support for the bilateral cooperation.At the same time，the Forum focused on regional cooperation and industrial development and broadened the platform for enterprise cooperation to assist China-Pakistan industrial connection and promote CPEC's high-quality development.

Jing YAO said that the Forum was the important follow-up to the convention of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.CPEC has brought important opportunities for the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.Since his taking office，Prime Minister Imran KHAN has visited China twice，and the leaders of the two countries have reached an important consensus that the CPEC construction should enter a new stage of enrichment and expansion.China is willing to work with Pakistan to tap potential of bilateral cooperation with its focus on industrial and social and livelihood areas and materialize the“People-centered”development concept to ensure stable and long-term corridor cooperation，making greater contributions to the development of Pakistan and the regional connectivity.The Chinese Government supports and encourages all walks of life of the two countries，especially the industrial and commercial circles，to actively participate in the bilateral cooperation and achieve more pragmatic achievements，when the Pakistani Government is building a“New Pakistan”.

Shah Mahamood QURESHI said that the existing world order is undergoing drastic changes.Against the backdrop of prevalent unilatera-lism，threatened multilateralism，intensified competition among major powers，Asia has become the center of geopolitics and economic games.China is a flag-bearer for promoting globalization，and its BRI on a global scale has brought important positive changes to the world.As a close friend of China，Pakistan firmly opposes unilateralism and supports the CPEC construction.Pakistan highly appreciates the important contributions made by CPEC cooperation to its economic and social development.There is no so-called“Debt Trap”in the bilateral cooperation.Pakistan hopes that China will increase its investment in Pakistan and enlarge exchanges and cooperation in various fields under the CPEC framework，thereby making greater contributions to the promotion of the bilateral cooperation and development and regional connectivity.

Khusro BAKHTIAR stated that the CPEC cooperation over the past five years has effectively improved Pakistan's infrastructure condition and effectively alleviated energy shortage in Pakistan，thus providing basic support for Pakistan's development.The Government of Pakistan is committed to promoting structural reforms，and hopes that China can help Pakistan develop export-oriented industries and balance its international payment by transferring more industries to Pakistan.The Government of Pakistan provides more preferential policies and creates a safe environment for CPEC cooperation，and hopes that Chinese enterprises will strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in fields such as agriculture，marine economy and people's livelihood，and explore various financing means.

MANDVIWALA and SYED said that the BRI proposed by President Xi shows a great foresight and leads the trend of historical development.As an important measure for China to build a community with a shared future for mankind with all its partners，it will bring prosperity to all B&R countries，including Pakistan and effectively promote regional connectivity in various fields.The CPEC cooperation over the past five years has effectively improved the infrastructure conditions and alleviated energy shortage in Pakistan，thus providing basic support for Pakistan's social development.All parties in Pakistan strongly supported the B&R construction and highly appreciated the historical role of CPEC in Pakistan's development.

RDI delegates Baozhong ZHANG，Chairman of China Overseas Ports Holding Co.，Ltd.and Yaobin TIAN，Deputy General Manager of CETC International Co.，Ltd.participate in the B2B Talk of the CPEC Forum 2019.

The Forum aimed to enhance pragmatic communication and cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani delegates under the BRI framework，through inviting and organizing representatives of governments，enterprises，industry associations，think tanks，experts and scholars of the two countries to join the discussions.By setting up G2G，T2T and B2B sessions，the Forum has organized high-end pragmatic dialogues with their focus on industrial and social livelihood cooperation，and jointly explored the cooperation potential.The Forum fully embodied the coordination between the governments，enterprises and think tanks in promoting the CPEC construction and put forward systematic suggestions for realizing regional cooperation and industrial connection.The Forum urged China and Pakistan to actively participate in the 4th Industrial Revolution，pay attention to the key role of science，technology and innovation，and promote the growth of their internal driving force through scientific and technological progress and innovation breakthroughs，thus enhancing the national power.

Baige ZHAO and Xiangyang LI，Director of National Institute of International Strategy of CASS，present their ideas about the bilateral think tank cooperation in the T2T Dialogue of the CPEC Forum 2019.

This visit not only promoted the sustainable development of CPEC and expanded the influence of the BRI's flagship project，but also produced effective results：1）the Government of Pakistan is highly concerned about the development of prefabricated housing，agriculture，health and medical care，and hopes that RDI will serve as a bridge to advocate the above projects and facilitate the people-to-people bonds； 2）the current Government of Pakistan hopes RDI will carry out effective connection between the outstanding Chinese agricultural team and Pakistan's team to address the issue of low output and great expense in the agriculture of Pakistan through a systematic change； and 3）Xiaorong SUN，Chairwoman of Wuhan Landing Medical High-Tech Co.，Ltd.，has fully realized that the people-to-people bonds are the cornerstone for the successful CPEC construction at the Forum，and promised to provide a free screening service for 10，000 Pakistani women with Landing's mature AI Cervical Cancer Screening Technology and gradually promote this technology throughout Pakistan.During the visit，RDI officially started its cooperation with the Ministry of National Health Services，Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan.

The constructive high-end dialogue at the CPEC Forum and the subsequent pragmatic project connection mark the internationalization of the RDI model's pragmatic effect，a milestone for RDI to play an important role on the international stage.

The 9th Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting of CPEC

The 9th Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting of CPEC was held in Islamabad，the Capital of Pakistan，on November 5th，2019.About 200 delegates of the governments，financial institutions and enterprises of China and Pakistan attended the Meeting.Zihai WANG，Head of RDI（Pakistan），attended the Meeting as the delegate of China's Social and People's Livelihood Working Group，and signed an MoU with Allah Baksh MALIK，Permanent Secretary of Ministry of National Health Services，Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan.

Allah Baksh MALIK，Permanent Secretary of Ministry of National Health Services，Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan Signs an MoU with Zihai WANG，Head of RDI（Pakistan）.

BAKHTIAR，Pakistani Chairman of the Joint Cooperation Committee and Minister of Planning，Development and Reform of Pakistan，said in his speech that the year 2019 was of great significance to CPEC，in which a number of milestone results had been achieved； some projects would be completed by the end of 2019.Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan，visited China several times and had conducted in-depth exchanges with Chinese leaders，broadening and strengthening cooperation with China in fields such as agriculture，industry and social and livelihood development.In order to promote the construction of the CPEC Project，the Government of Pakistan had set up CPEC Authority which would provide unified window services for CPEC affairs，thus speeding up the construction of CPEC Project and solving the bottleneck problems during the construction.

Jizhe NING，Chinese Chairman of the Joint Cooperation Committee and Vice Chairman of NDRC，said that President Xi，Premier Li Keqiang and Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan had reached an important consensus on bilateral cooperation in various fields，pointing out the development direction for the bilateral relations in the next stage.NING said that thanks to the joint efforts of China and Pakistan，CPEC had achieved a series of remarkable results in just a few years.At present，CPEC had entered a new high-quality development stage for further expansion and promotion.China would earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries，continue strengthening the connection with Pakistan and deepening the mutual trust to achieve more pragmatic CPEC results，and jointly build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

As the flagship project of the BRI，promoting the people-to-people bonds between the two countries has become one of the priorities of CEPC cooperation.In order to realize the development goal of promoting B&R construction to improve people's livelihood，promote sustainable development with a high standard，RDI selected Wuhan Landing Medical High-Tech Co.，Ltd.，an outstanding medical technology enterprise on the platform，to participate in CPEC livelihood projects.

RDI members met with Imran KHAN，Prime Minister of Pakistan during the CPEC Forum in June 2019.He made it clear to strengthen the cooperation with China in health care，housing，agriculture and tourism.Xiaorong SUN，Representative of RDI platform enterprise delegation and Chairwoman of Wuhan Landing Medical High-Tech Co.，Ltd.，immediately told him that Landing had provided a cervical cancer screening service to millions of Chinese women，using its own AI cervical cancer screening technology with China's independent intellectual property right.Imran KHAN acknowledged and spoke highly of the technology and hoped that the AI cervical cancer screening project would be landed in Pakistan as soon as possible.

On August 5th，Baige ZHAO and Xiaorong SUN visited Naghmana Alamgir HASHMI，Ambassador of Pakistan to China and conducted an in-depth discussion and exchange of ideas on establishment of an AI cervical cancer screening laboratory in Gwadar Port and cervical cancer screening service for 10，000 Pakistani women by Landing and the RDI will coordinate the operation of these matters between the two sides.

Delegation of RDI and NDRC visit Fraternity Emergency Care Center in the Gwadar Port.

At the 9th Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting of CPEC，under the coordination and arrangement of RDI，Xiaorong SUN followed the delegation to revisit Pakistan，and went to Gwadar Port and Islamabad for field research.She respectively held talks with the Minister of National Health Services，Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan and representatives of Pakistan Red Crescent Society and reached a consensus on the establishment and further promotion of the AI cervical cancer screening project.With the strong support of NDRC，SUN also attended the 4th Meeting of the Joint Working Group for Gwadar Port，at which the Ministry of Planning，Development and Reform of Pakistan included the AI cervical cancer screening project into the List of Government-supported CPEC Projects.

Xiaorong SUN，Representative of RDI Platform Enterprise and Chairwoman of Wuhan Landing Medical High-Tech Co.，Ltd.with Zafar MIRZA，Minister of National Health Services，Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan

At the 9th Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting，RDI signed an MoU with the Ministry of National Health Services，Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan on the project.In the future，the AI technology of Wuhan Landing Medical High-Tech Co.，Ltd.will be used to provide the cervical cancer screening service for 10，000 women in Gwadar Port and other Pakistani cities.The MoU will play an important role in promoting the medical and health development，improving the people's livelihood in Pakistan，and strengthening the people-to-people bonds between the two countries.

Attending Futuroscope Forum 2019

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France 55 years ago，China and France have continuously improved a close and lasting comprehensive strategic partnership.Facing the constantly changing globalization trend，France insists on seizing the historical opportunity of China's new round of opening-up and actively participates in multi-bilateral and inter-regional cooperation mechanisms.

The Opening Ceremony of Futuroscope Forum 2019

The Futuroscope Forum 2019，chaired by RAFFARIN，former Prime Minister of France，was held in Poitiers on August 30th，2019，aiming to promote the stable development of China-France relations.At the invitation of RAFFARIN，Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Commi-ttee of RDI，Ping HUANG，Director of Institute of European Studies of CASS，et al.，attended the Forum.

Discussion among guests at Futuroscope Forum 2019

The Forum，themed“China and Multilateralism”，aimed to discuss the positive measures for China and France to continue creating a new order of world multilateralism.Alain ROUSSET，President of Aquitaine District Council of France，Anne-Marie IDRAC，former Minister of France and former President of Société Nationale des Chemins de Ferfrançais，Carole COUVERT，Vice President of the French Econo-mic，Social and Environmental Council and former President of Confédération CFE-CGC，Pascal BONIFACE，President of Institute de Relations Internationales et Stratégiques of France，Cheikh Tidiane GADIO，Director of the Pan-African Institute of Strategic Studies，Member of National Assembly of Senegal and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal，Irina BOKOVA，former Director-General of UNESCO，Sylvie BERMANN，former Ambassador of France to China，Nicolas CHAPUIS，Ambassador of EU to China，et al.，participated in the panel discussions.

RAFFARIN said in his opening speech that Chinese culture attaches great importance to the balance of“Yin and Yang”，and such philosophical thoughts have important enlightenment significance for thinking about the evolution of the contemporary world pattern and the cooperative mechanism to safeguard bilateralism.Moreover，it is essential to cooperate with China in developing and safeguarding multilateralism.He stressed that France should attach importance to China's rising power and its important role in safeguarding multilateralism.China would always play an important role in the process of perfecting multilateralism and creating a new international order，highlighting the significance of strengthening cooperation between France/EU and China.

The Forum had a“Chinese Views”session，at which，Quan KONG，Executive Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Office of the CCCPC and former Ambassador of China to France，was invited to deliver a keynote speech，explaining China's position on the development and cooperation of multilateralism.

Special meeting between the delegation led by Baige ZHAO and the team led by RAFFARIN

Baige ZHAO，Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN，Ping HUANG and Serge DEGALAIS（from left to right）

The delegation led by ZHAO and the team led by RAFFARIN held a special bilateral meeting to exchange views and reached a consensus on the top-level design for jointly hosting the 2019 Euro-China Green and Smart City Summit on the sideline of the Forum.At the same time，the two sides would jointly set up a bilateral working group to better promote projects under the framework of Green Silk Road and explore potential cooperation opportunities among enterprises，local governments and associations of China and France in the future.The two sides also reached an agreement on strengthening regional cooperation，new scientific and technological exchanges，project connection，and bilateral sustainable and green development，etc.

Attending the 6th High-level Think Tanks Symposium of China and Central & Eastern European Countries

With the establishment and development of the“17+1 Cooperation”inter-region and city cooperation platform，the relations between China and Central & Eastern European Countries have entered the best period in history with the continuously expanded cooperation scope，and more expectations on this cooperation mechanism.To comprehensively promote the cooperative relations between China and Central & Eastern European Countries，continuously enriching the content of cooperation between China and Central & Eastern European Countries will become a priority for China to further expand the benefits of international cooperation in the future.

Delegates to the 6th High-Level Think Tanks Symposium of China and Central & Eastern European Countries

On September 4th，2019，the RDI delegation was invited to attend the 6th High-level Think Tanks Symposium of China and Central & Eastern European Countries held in Bled，Slovenia.Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI delivered an opening speech.Yuzhen HUO，Special Delegate for Cooperation between China and Central & Eastern European Countries，Jian XU，Vice President of China Foundation for International Studies，Ping HUANG，Director of Institute of European Studies of CASS，Jernej PIKALO，Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Education，Science and Sports of the Republic of Slovenia，Dobran BOŽIČ，State Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Slovenia，Danilo TÜRK，former President of the Republic of Slovenia，Danica PURG，President of IEDC-Bled School of Management，and Iztok GRMEK，Acting Director-General of Directorate for Economic and Public Diplomacy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia，attended the Symposium and delivered keynote speeches.More than 100 dignitaries，officials and scholars from China，Slovenia and other Central & Eastern European Countries attended the Symposium.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，talks about her understanding of“17+1 Cooperation”in her opening speech at the Symposium.

In the opening speech，Baige ZHAO shared three viewpoints on the“17+1 Cooperation”：first，remarkable achievements have been made in the cooperation between think tanks of China and Central & Eastern European Countries.In the Suzhou Guidelines for Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries issued at the 4th Summit of China and Central and Eastern European Countries held in 2015，it is clearly stated：“Welcome CASS to lead the establishment of the China-Central & Eastern European Countries ‘16+1’ Think-Tank Communication and Cooperation Network”.In 2019，Greece joined as a full-fledged participant of China-Central & Eastern European Countries cooperation，and“16+1”was upgraded to“17+1”.

In four years since the establishment and upgrade，the 17+1 Think Tank Network，by adhering to the principle of“Extensive Consultation，Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits”，has extensively contacted and coordinated the think tanks of China and Central & Eastern European Countries，promoted“17+1 cooperative research”，actively hosted events and coordinated high-level visits，published a large number of books and held many training programs for think tanks in Central and Eastern Europe，established a professional platform for think tank communication and cooperation，thus playing an active and leading role，exerting a wide range of influence at home and abroad，and contributing to“17+1 Cooperation”significantly.

Second，“17+1 Cooperation”has become an integral part and beneficial supplement for China-Europe relations.China has always firmly supported European integration and the development of a united，strong and more cohesive Europe，which is of great significance to the peaceful development of Europe and the multi-polarization of the world.As emerging economies in Europe，Central & Eastern European Countries are developing rapidly and promising，and China is willing to actively promote“17+1 Cooperation”to push forward balanced and sustainable development in Europe，benefit the people from Central & Eastern European Countries，share development opportunities with Central & Eastern European Countries，and contribute to the overall development of China-Europe relations.

Third，“17+1 Cooperation”has become an important platform and means for promoting China-Europe cooperation under the BRI.“17+1 Cooperation”actively promotes the implementation of the BRI in Europe，and produces a series of pragmatic cooperation results in various fields such as policy coordination，facilities connectivity，unimpeded trade，financial integration and people-to-people bonds.Both“17+1 Cooperation”and the BRI adhere to the principle of“Extensive Consultation，Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits”，and adhere to expanding connectivity and achieving win-win cooperation.

Jernej PIKALO said that the 6th High-level Think Tanks Symposium of China and Central & Eastern European Countries is of positive significance for promoting Slovenia-China relations and“17+1 Cooperation”.Slovenia and China have made good achievements in people-to-people and cultural exchanges，especially in the areas of education，language，sports，etc.The two countries would expand more fields of cooperation in the future.

Dobran BOŽIČ said that in recent years，exchanges and cooperation between Slovenia and China in various fields have become increasingly close.In terms of“17+1 Cooperation”，he put forward three suggestions：1）we must abide by the regulations of EU to promote the development of China-EU relations； 2）we must adhere to innovation and sustainable deve-lopment to raise the level of academic and think tank exchanges，especially the exchanges and cooperation in electronic technology，small and medium-sized enterprises，new energy，forestry，sports and medical care； and 3）we must cherish the spirit and concept of win-win cooperation.

Danilo TÜRK believed that the“17+1 Cooperation”is a real practice of multilateralism.The focus of attention for new cooperation should be located at the time when multilateralism is challenged.He stressed the three points：1）cooperation needs in the current stage and in the future should be found and classified； 2）focus should be put on cultural sensitivity and respect to different cultures；and 3）compatibility and connectivity of laws should be highly valued.In addition，attention should also be paid to the“17+1 Cooperation”on how to contribute to environmental protection and emission reduction in the global situation of great changes.

Guests attending the 6th High-level Think Tanks Symposium of China and Central & Eastern European Countries：Zuokui LIU，Ping HUANG，Iztok GRMEK，Yuzhen HUO，Shunqing WANG，Baige ZHAO，and Jian XU（from left to right）

Yuzhen HUO expressed that the“17+1 Cooperation”has become the most dynamic and representative inter-region cooperation mechanism and achieved fruitful results.In the current increasingly complicated international situation，the“17+1 Cooperation”should strengthen the following aspects：1）firmly grasping the general trend of development to promote the high-quality development of“17+1 Cooperation”； 2）deepening tripartite and multi-party cooperation to promote the development of China-EU relations； and 3）consolidating the basis of public opinion to provide strong support for further development，wherein the China-Central & Eastern European Countries Cooperation Think Tank Network and the“17+1 Cooperation”Global Partnership Center could play different positive roles in those aspects.

Jian XU pointed out that the“17+1 Cooperation”has achieved fruitful results in the past seven years，but there is room for improvement.For example，interaction mechanism should be improved and prio-rity should be given to deficit of country cooperation.It was necessary to eliminate external interference and dispel some doubts through cooperative achievements and strengthen multi-way cooperation to oppose protectionism and unilateralism through learning from each other's strong points while overcoming the weak ones.

Ping HUANG expressed that the“17+1 Cooperation”has become a classic case and a brand-new practice of multilateralism.China's new generation of leaders has raised China-EU relations to a new level and the two sides are committed to building a partnership of peace，growth，reform and civilization.The“17+1 Cooperation”is an integral part of China-EU relations，and Central and Eastern Europe is also a region covered by the BRI.He said that the more anti-globalization and protectionism prevail，the more cooperation should be enhanced； the more challenges exist，the more we must adhere to the principle of“Openness，Multilateralism，Mutual Benefits and Win-win Cooperation”.

Guests attending the 6th High-level Think Tanks Symposium of China and Central & Eastern European Countries：Iztok GRMEK，Baige ZHAO，Danica PURG，Danilo TÜRK，and Ping HUANG（from left to right）

Guests attending the 6th High-level Think Tanks Symposium of China and Central & Eastern European Countries：Dobran BOŽIČ，Baige ZHAO，Danica PURG，and Iztok GRMEK（from left to right）

From the investigation and research in Greece to the 6th High-level Think Tanks Symposium of Central & Eastern European Countries held in Slovenia，RDI further expands its friends'circle of the international network and becomes a bridge and link for exchanges and cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises of China and Central & Eastern European Countries.It means that RDI should assume new responsibilities and new missions at a new starting point.Deepening economic，trade and financial cooperation to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results is the future trend of cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises of China and Central & Eastern European Countries as well as the vision of RDI.

Enhancing Cooperation：Visit to Greece

From September 1st to 3rd，2019，at the invitation of Panos LASKARIDIS，Honorary Commander-in-Chief of the Greek Fleet，former Admiral of Greece，and President of Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation，Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，and Ping HUANG，Director of the Institute of European Studies of CASS，visited Greece.

Visit to the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation

On the afternoon of September 2nd，at the Port of Piraeus in Athens，Konstantinos Mazarakis-AINIAN，Executive President of Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation，held a discussion and exchanged views with Baige ZHAO and the delegation.AINIAN said that in addition to the cooperation with domestic universities in Greece，the Foundation signed a cooperation agreement with City University of London in 2009 and hosted maritime law lectures in Piraeus every year，which had continued for 10 years. Besides，the Foundation has also cooperated with Tsinghua University in China and the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands on classical and modern Greek cultural research projects，and has regularly selected and organized scholars and professors from all over the world to conduct exchanges on academic research.

Visit to the Navigation Museum of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation

Baige ZHAO said that RDI and China Cultural Heritage Foundation are close strategic partners to jointly carry out international cooperation，further explore B&R countries through cultural exchanges，and launch B&R related cultural conservation projects.Take the planning of the digi-tal museum as an example，the project introduces the international cultu-ral heritage digitally while exporting cultural creativity overseas and jointly set up joint funds with relevant countries.She said that through this research they learned that the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation also actively supports various activities related to the protection of Greek maritime history and heritage，such as the renovation of stone lighthouses and the archaeological salvage of shipwrecks in Antikythera.The foundation owns a large collection of marine cultural relics，becoming the place with the largest quantity of cultural relics related to Lord Nelson in the world after Britain.RDI is willing to make positive contributions to the protection of maritime culture with the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，with Qiyue ZHANG，Ambassador of China to Greece，and Greek Government officials

During their visit to Greece，the RDI delegation met with Qiyue ZHANG，Ambassador of China to Greece，Wendi CHEN，Director of the Politics & Information Division，Grecia KATROUGALOS，former Foreign Minister of Greece，Spyridon FLOGAITIS，Director of European Public Law Organization（EPLO），Nikos FRANGOS，Secretary-General of Greek Ministry of Government Finance and Labor（with SYRIZA as the leading Party of Greece）and Professor of Athens University of Economics and Business，and they fully exchanged views on building B&R.Ambassador Qiyue ZHANG said that Greece has become a new member of China-Central & Eastern European Countries cooperation in April 2019.As an important node country along the B&R，Greece has more to offer in the construction of regional transportation，energy and service hubs under the framework of the BRI，and has obvious advantages in implementing and promoting the BRI and the“17+1 Cooperation”framework.The pragmatic cooperation between China and Greece is characteristic of“Increasingly Perfect Structure，Prominent Highlights and Expanded Radiation”.In addition，the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has continuously made new progress.From January to August in 2019，the bilateral trade increased by 22.7% year on year，while China's imports from Greece increased by 33.4%.The high-quality agricultural products of Greece，such as olive oil，wine and crocuses，are gaining more popularity among Chinese enterprises and consumers.In addition to economic and trade cooperation，China and Greece will conduct in-depth cooperation in more fields in the future.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，with Ambassador Qiyue ZHANG at the Chinese Embassy in Greece

Baige ZHAO believes that the China-Greece cooperation has opened a new chapter against the current background.RDI gives full play to its advantages as a high-end think tank platform，continuously strengthening internal construction and external exchanges，and enhancing mutual trust and win-win cooperation between China and other countries in the world through active promotion of high-level government dialogues at home and abroad.RDI has also conducted in-depth research on domestic policies and measures，industrial development and other aspects to form high-quality reports.It has submitted the reports to the central and local authorities in charge of decision-making.The advice and suggestions in the reports have been incorporated into policies and measures by relevant ministries and local government.

In November 2019，during his visit to Greece，President Xi emphasized that“We need to step up Belt and Road cooperation with down-to-earth efforts，make the most of the location and shipping capacity of Greece，seize the opportunities brought by Greece's joining the China-Central & Eastern European Countries cooperation，actively advance practical projects under the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line，and contribute to the China-EU Connectivity Platform.This will make us front-runners in China-Europe cooperation.”[3]

Greece，like China，is a nation with a long history and shares a lot of similar philosophy with China.The Greek Government and people highly agree with President Xi 's ideal of“a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”. With Greece joining China-Central & Eastern European Countries cooperation as a full member state，“16+1 Cooperation”is upgraded to“17+1 Cooperation”，and content of the mechanism is continuously enriched and expanded.

Presentation at the 2nd New Economy Forum

The 2nd New Economy Forum

From November 20th to 22nd，2019，the 2nd New Economy Forum organized by CCIEE in cooperation with Bloomberg was held in Beijing.Chinese Vice President Qishan WANG attended and delivered an opening speech.Nearly 500 influential guests from more than 60 countries and regions around the world gathered to discuss countermeasures against the major challenges.Members of Advisory Committee of RDI，including Qifan HUANG，Co-Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，and Dawei ZHANG，Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of CCIEE，and former Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Henan Provincial People's Congress，were invited to attend the Forum.

Vice President Qishan WANG says that we should recognize the trend clearly and make scientific and rational decisions from the perspective of the common destiny of humanity in his opening speech at the Forum.

Qishan WANG said in his speech that innovation is the primary driving force for development.Nowadays，mankind enjoys abilities to create material wealth unprecedented in history，conduct close exchanges more conveniently，bring unprecedented prosperity in international economy and trade.Integration and mutual learning of different civilizations based on local conditions become the overwhelming trend，and interdependence and harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature become the new concept.At the same time，human beings are also facing many common threats：glaring development imbalance and insufficiency； rise of protectionism，unilateralism and populism； reverse trend of economic globalization； and impacted international order.We should recognize the trend clearly and make scientific and rational decisions from the perspective of the common destiny of mankind.China will always stay committed to the path of peaceful development.The Chinese people are willing to join the people of the rest of the world in building a community with a shared future for humanity and jointly face global challenges.[4]

Chiping LIU，President of Tencent，and Jean LIU，President of Didi Chuxing，participate in the discussion.

The New Economic Forum consisted of 10 important sessions in total，respectively focusing on global economic governance，restructuring of global trading system，digital economic development，regionalization of supply chains，environmental and climate challenges，inclusive deve-lopment and urbanization，and cutting-edge issues of scientific and technological innovation，to explore solutions to better promoting global sustainable development.Baige ZHAO was invited to deliver important speeches in two panel discussions.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，in the discussion on the topic of“Aging Society：The Economies of Living to 100”at the Forum

At the Forum，the discussion on the topic of“Aging Society：The Economies of Living to 100”moderated by Dawei ZHANG received wide attention.Margaret CHAN，Chairwoman of the Organizing Committee of Global of Boao Forum for Asia and Honorary Director-General of World Health Organization，Mike WELLS，CEO of Prudential Investment，Loan，and Assurance Company，and Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，participated in the discussion.

Baige ZHAO said that the Chinese Government has quickly realized and fully understood the challenges and opportunities brought by the aging of population.The Chinese Government has made overall planning and layout in the aspects of human technology and economic resources，and specially formulated relevant policies and programs in line with China's national conditions for the aging of population as shown in China's overall strategic planning from 2020 to 2025.In the current situation where opportunities and challenges coexist，coping with the issue of aging population has become an important strategic action，and new technologies such as AI and robots make great contributions to tackling it.The whole society need to work together to tap the vitality and opportunities brought about by the aging population to social development，and meet the growing demands of the elderly for a better life，promoting the comprehensive，coordinated and sustainable development of a society with aging population.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，in the discussion on the topic of“The Road Ahead：China's Role in Africa's Economic Transformation”at the Forum

At noon on the 22nd，on behalf of RDI，Baige ZHAO attended the partner luncheon at the invitation by Dangote Group and participated in a panel discussion on“The Road Ahead：China's Role in Africa's Economic Transformation”.Dangote Group is one of the largest industrial groups in Africa，with its business covering many fields such as agriculture，port trade，real estate，electronic information.According to Aliko DANGOTE，President and CEO of Dangote Group，the Internet has become an important engine for the development of the world economy.The African continent must seize the opportunity to speed up the construction of network infrastructure and Internet skill training，so as to further integrate the global Internet economic chain and better meet the wave of industrial revolution and information technology revolution.Ngozi Okonjo IWEALA，former Managing Director of the World Bank and former Minister of Finance of Nigeria，said Nigeria is the largest populous country in Africa with a population of over 200 million，and also Africa's largest economy with its priorities on economic and social development and improvement of people's livelihood.The B&R development plan covers almost the entire Africa，including countries with different cultures，political and economic systems，carrying out cooperation in infrastructure，science and technology，communications，finance，energy development and other aspects.With the driving force of the BRI，China and Africa need to find out and further explore cooperation highlights，and focus more on issues of people's livelihood.Baige ZHAO responded that the Chinese Government's promotion of the BRI is to promote the development of the B&R countries through the mode of“Mutual Benefits and Coordinated Development”.African people are old friends of the Chinese people.After the founding of New China，they established diplomatic relations with African countries and gave a lot of help to China.China has also assisted many African countries in infrastructure construction in the past few decades.In the future，China hopes to find out needs and solve problems with Nigeria through the cooperation mode of G2G，B2B and T2T and to write a new chapter of joint cooperation and shared success with African people.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，interviewed by the media at the 2nd New Economy Forum

During the Forum，in an interview with domestic media of Global Times，CCTV News，China Business Network，Economic Daily and ChinaNews，Baige ZHAO pointed out that the western world need to change their understanding of China urgently，and the world should know that there are four causes for China becoming the world's second largest economy：1）the Chinese Government and administrative agencies have the ability to implement relevant measures for the country's economic reform and transformation，so as to ensure that China's economic development maintains stable and sound growth； 2）while actively paying attention to the 4th Industrial Revolution with digitalization and intelligence at its core，China has formed a systematic and integrated industrial development layout； 3）local governments at all levels actively implement policies and plans issued by the central government，for example，Qingdao，Zhuhai，Nanning，Ningbo and Suzhou have closely joined hands with RDI to promote the implementation of the country's top-level designs； and 4）the Chinese Government give full play to the main role of enterprises in promoting economic development to serve the national strategy and form the world pattern，so as to realize the match between state-owned enterprises and private enterprises.While deepening the reform of state-owned enterprises，China also makes more efforts to explore，cultivate and promote outstanding private enterprises.

The 2nd New Economy Forum gave another opportunity to RDI to voice on the international stage in 2019.With the successful conclusion of the Forum，the views of all parties have once again fully proved RDI's right development strategy and direction，and the unremitting efforts and achievements made by RDI since its establishment have been continuously acknowledged.As a representative of the new application-oriented think tanks in China，RDI has always taken the joint development of domestic and foreign governments，think tanks and enterprises as its mission since its establishment.It has attached great importance to the transformation of new scientific and technological achievements at home and abroad and actively done the following work：1）through research and analysis of global politics，culture，ecology，science and technology，it has given full play to its important functions of providing advice and suggestions to governments and enterprises，guiding public opinion and promoting international exchanges； and 2）by exploring，cultivating and promoting high-tech enterprises，it has given full play to its advantages of platform resources，carried out“Imagination beyond the Boundary of the Brain”，broken the boundaries of countries and society and information barriers，realizing a benign cycle of society unimpeded in communication，integration and growth，and contributing to the new globalization and the 4th Industrial Revolution.

In the future，RDI will remain true to its original aspiration and forge ahead.It will dedicate itself to capacity building，give full play to its resource advantages，uphold the great banner of“Peaceful Development”， continue to make its voice heard and contribute its wisdom on international multilateral platforms based on the thinking of“Extensive Consultation，Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits”.

Organizing China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar

On May 23rd，2019，during the 16th Eurasian Media Forum，Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，had a talk with Dariga NAZARBAYEVA，Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the Forum，and consensus was reached by both sides to hold the China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar in December 2019.

The Opening Ceremony of China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar in Beijing

After nearly half a year of delicate preparation and arrangement，the Opening Ceremony of China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar and China-Kazakhstan High-level Round Table were held in Beijing on December 5th，2019，co-sponsored by the BRI International Think Tank of CASS，the Institute of Russian，Eastern European & Central Asian Studies of CASS，the Bureau of International Cooperation of CASS and the Research Center of Silk Road Studies of CASS，and organized by RDI.Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI presided over the Opening Ceremony.Xiang GAO，Vice President of and Member of the Leading Party Members'Group of CASS，President of and Secretary of the Leading Party Members'Group of the Chinese Academy of History，and Askar URTEMBAEV，Deputy Head of the Administration of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan，delivered speeches on behalf of China and Kazakhstan respectively.

More than 60 representatives，including Xin JIN，Director-General of the China Center for Contemporary World Studies of the International Department of the CCCPC，and Secretary-General of BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance，Yongquan LI，Chairman of Chinese Association of Russian，Eastern Eruopean & Central Asian Studies，Xuesong LIU，Deputy Director of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce of the P.R.C.，Jiangping LIU，Counsellor of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R.C.，Yunfan ZHOU，Deputy Director of Bureau of International Cooperation of CASS，and representatives of RDI platform outstanding enterprises，as well as Nurzhan ALTAYEV，Member of the Committee on Agrarian Issues of Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Repu-blic of Kazakhstan，Kairat ORUNKHANOV，Director of the Human Resources and Strategy Department of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan，and Rakhymzhan RAKHIMOV，Deputy Director of the Department of the Asia-Pacific Region of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan，et al.，attended the Opening Ceremony.

Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，presides over the Opening Ceremony of the China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar.

Baige ZHAO said at the Opening Ceremony that the Chinese Government pays special attention to the cooperation in mechanism and the project of people-to-people bonds in the B&R construction.RDI has the responsibility to help China and Kazakhstan achieve win-win results. China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar has set up a platform for Kazakh delegates to exchange ideas with Chinese national talents，experts and entrepreneurs，so as to deepen the mutual understanding and share successful experience between the two peoples.

Xiang GAO，Vice President of and Member of the Leading Party Members'Group of CASS，President of and Secretary of the Leading Party Members'Group of the Chinese Academy of History，expresses his hope that Kazakh delegates could take this opportunity to deepen their all-round understanding of the national conditions and policies of the two countries and contribute to the friendly cooperation and mutual communication at the Opening Ceremony.

At the Opening Ceremony，representatives of China and Kazakhstan first delivered speeches.Xiang GAO，the Chinese representative，said that against the current background of increasing protectionism and anti-globalization，China has promoted the development of economic globalization towards a more open，inclusive，equitable，balanced and beneficial-to-all direction through the BRI based on its“Extensive Consultation，Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits”principle.China has demonstrated to the world its determination to work with other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind and create a new situation of win-win cooperation.The world is undergoing profound changes，and the 4th Industrial Revolution subverts traditional thinking，which will greatly change the way of manufacturing and human life.The 4th Industrial Revolution reflects the widening gap between developing and developed countries，and the opportunity for developing countries to catch up.Xiang GAO sincerely wished the Seminar a great success and hoped that Kazakh delegates could take this opportunity to deepen their all-round understanding of the national conditions and policies of the two countries and contribute to the friendly cooperation and mutual communication between the two countries and peoples in the future.

Askar URTEMBAEV，Deputy Head of the Administration of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan，says in his speech at the Opening Ceremony that the Kazakh delegates will put what is learned at the Seminar into practice.

Askar URTEMBAEV，Head of the Kazakh delegation，said Kazakhstan has growing interests in Eurasian Integration，and China's BRI has brought positive impacts to Eurasian integration and given priority to partnership development.Kazakhstan will actively participate in the B&R construction for the benefits of the two countries.He hoped that the Seminar will enable Kazakhstan to understand China's development in various fields and learn from China's advanced experience，further exchange relevant opinions between the two sides and put what is learned at the Seminar into practice.

Participants of the China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar

After the Opening Ceremony，China and Kazakhstan launched a Round Table themed“The B&R and New Globalization”and“The B&R and The 4th Industrial Revolution”with Baige ZHAO as the moderator.In the first round，Xin JIN，Yongquan LI，Xuesong LIU and Jiangping LIU respectively shared important views from the perspective of think tanks，academia，commerce，diplomacy and so on.

Xin JIN，Director-General of the China Center for Contemporary World Studies of the International Department of the CCCPC，and Secretary-General of BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance，delivers a keynote speech at the Opening Ceremony.

Xin JIN put forward three suggestions：1）at the macro level，Chinese and Kazakhstan political parties can establish extensive consultation mechanism，including cooperation mechanism between bilateral business associations and between twin cities，and an industrial cooperation platform can also be built between the two sides； 2）we should work together to facilitate people-to-people bonds；and 3）the two sides should give full play to the role of think tanks and jointly find what is fit for their cooperation.

Yongquan LI，Chairman of Chinese Association of Russian，Eastern European & Central Asian Studies of CASS，expresses that China-Kazakhstan cooperation influenced by the whole regional process is key to the stability of Eurasia in his keynote speech at the Opening Ceremony.

In terms of the challenges in China-Kazakhstan cooperation，Yongquan LI pointed out that no matter how the world situation changes，the process of globalization，regionalization and nationalization will remain unchanged，and China-Kazakhstan cooperation influenced by the whole regional process is key to the stability of Eurasia.Eurasian Integration must be considered in the multilateral cooperation projects in the future.Only enough consideration of relevant factors can lead the success to the China-Kazakhstan cooperation.

Xuesong LIU，Deputy Director of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce of the P.R.C.，stresses that China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to promote the healthy development of the international multilateral trading system in his keynote speech at the Opening Ceremony.

Xuesong LIU said that China and Kazakhstan have made certain achievements in economic and trade cooperation in recent years. Kazakhstan is China's largest investment destination in Eurasia while China is the second largest trading partner of Kazakhstan.Both countries are confident to increase the bilateral trade volume to USD 40 billion in the next few years.In recent years，the two countries have opened up some new growth areas such as agricultural trade，e-commerce，increased investment and strengthened economic and technological cooperation，accelerating connectivity and bilateral development，actively and vigorously promoting local and financial cooperation.China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to promote the healthy development of the international multilateral trading system，safeguard multilateralism and free trade and oppose trade bullying； and China is willing，together with Kazakhstan，to play an important role in the SCO and Eurasian Economic Union，and continuously promote the economic and trade cooperation between China and the Eurasian Economic Union through Kazakhstan.

Jiangping LIU，Counsellor of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R.C.，encourages China and Kazakhstan to actively strengthen positive publicity，and properly guide public opinion for better bilateral cooperation in her keynote speech at the Opening Ceremony.

Jiangping LIU said in her speech that leapfrog development has been achieved in the breadth and depth，value and strategic content of China-Kazakhstan cooperation.Besides，perfect communication mechanisms have been established between the two sides，including regular PM meetings，vice-prime minister-level cooperation committee，etc.In view of the current complicated economic and political situation in the world，we must unswervingly safeguard China-Kazakhstan friendship.Now there occurs a countercurrent to discredit，split up，and slander China-Kazakhstan relations.However，we must see through the political purpose hidden behind，actively strengthen positive publicity，and properly guide public opinion.

During the discussion，Kazakh representatives actively expressed their opinions.Nurzhan ALTAYEV believed that China-Kazakhstan cooperation should not only be carried out at the national and government levels，but also at the public and social levels with non-governmental organizations and enterprises involved.A direct business cooperation platform should be established to carry out B&R cooperation，for example，the entrepreneur association can help provide services such as exploring business opportunities，providing consultation and facilitating negotiations for enterprises which invest and operate in Kazakhstan.

Shakharbanu ZHAKUPOVA，Vice Chairwoman of the Board of the Institute for Economic Research of the Republic of Kazakhstan，said in her speech that infrastructure projects are in great demand and will have a good multiplier effect by driving the development of related infrastructure industries，including transportation and logistics facilities，so it is necessary to increase investment in contemporary cities such as smart cities，and the projects relative to Central Asian countries and SCO.In the service field，additional value chains and industrial chains should be established.Therefore，we hope that China can help Kazakhstan realize diversified development of its national economy.

In the Round Table themed“The B&R and The 4th Industrial Revolution”，RDI invited Hongguo ZHANG，Director of the Institute of Software and Information Services，CCID Think Tank，Jianming HUANG，Director of the Enterprise Development Bureau of Suzhou Industrial Park，Guoxin HAO，Executive Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone，and representatives of RDI platform enterprises such as Hanergy Mobile Energy Holding Group Co.，Ltd.，JinkoSolar Co.，Ltd.，Wuhan Landing Medical High-Tech Co.，Ltd.，Shenzhen Dorabot Inc.，Beijing Infervision Technology Co.，Ltd.，and CHINABRICK.COM to share with Kazakhstan China's development experience in such fields as planning，energy，AI，new materials and agriculture to further tap China-Kazakhstan cooperation potential in these fields.After the Chinese representatives shared their experience，the Kazakh representatives actively exchanged views with Chinese representatives of the industrial parks and enterprises.

Rafik TAIROV，Vice President of the Center for Military Strategic Studies of the Republic of Kazakhstan，hoped that China would provide Kazakh students with learning opportunities in Chinese high-tech enterprises to deeply promote the bilateral relations.Moreover，he pointed out that there is no doubt that AI plays an important part in military affairs，medicine，communications and education，but the accompanying security and employment problems should also be taken into consideration.He looked forward to discussing with Chinese experts to make corresponding prospective plans.

Duren DYUSSEBAYEV，Director of Belt and Road Research Center Under Kazakhstan National University Named after Al-Farabi，put forward that Kazakhstan would soon build its Silicon Valley in Al-Farabi University.Kazakhstan would set up an international IT park-B&R Cluster Park by using the supercomputer provided by the Chinese Government.He suggested that Chinese high-tech enterprises on the Opening Ceremony settle down in the Park and implement relative projects.

Baige ZHAO suggested in her concluding speech that 1）embracing the 4th Industrial Revolution ideologically，especially embracing young talents，to promote the integration of new technology and industry； 2）strengthening cooperation in mechanism needs to promoting communications and exchanges between the two countries in national planning strategies and park construction； 3）giving full play to the role of non-governmental organizations such as think tanks，chambers of commerce，and alliances to serve as bridge of cooperation； and 4）attaching special importance to the coordination and implementation of projects concerning people's livelihood，guiding positive public opinion，resolving concerns，eliminating misunderstandings，and strengthening friendly cooperation with mutual benefits.

Qifan HUANG，Co-Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，gives a lecture on the“Overall Theories and Practice of China's Reform”to Kazakh repre-sentatives.

The China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar

During the five-day study and cultural research in Beijing，the Kazakh representatives were taught by a team of well-known lecturers，including Qifan HUANG，Co-Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，Zukang SHA，President of the China-Pakistan Friendship Association and former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN，Baoxing QIU，Counselor of the State Council and former Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the P.R.C.，Yuyan ZHANG，Director and Researcher of the Institute of World Politics and Economics of CASS，Biliang HU，Dean of the Emerging Markets Institute and Executive Dean of the Belt and Road School of Beijing Normal University，Changhong PEI，Researcher of the Institute of Economics of CASS，Hongbing LV，Vice Chairman of the All China Lawyers Association and Chief Executive Partner of Grandall Law Firm，and Jianzhong YANG，Chairman of the Development Zone Working Committee of the China Council for International Investment Promotion.They held discussions and exchanges with Kazakh representatives on“New Globalization”，“The B&R Construction”，“China's Exploration and Practice in Reform and Opening-up”and“Chinese Economy and Laws”.After the Seminar，Kazakh representatives were deeply impressed by the high-level lectures，rich knowledge and experience of all the lecturers，and looked forward to further carrying out extensive and all-round exchanges between the two sides in the future.

The Kazakh delegation visit the main venue of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao Summit.

On December 11th，all participants of China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar went to Qingdao for a three-day field study accompanied by officials of Bureau of Commerce of Qingdao and Administrative Committee of China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation（hereinafter referred to as“SCO Demonstration Zone”）.Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，Yu CHAI，Deputy Director of the Institute of Russian，Eastern European & Central Asian Studies of CASS，Xiaoquan WANG，Deputy Director of the Research Center of Belt and Road Studies of CASS，and Kazakh representatives visited the main venue of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao Summit，Haier Industrial Park，Hisense Industrial Park，JD“Asia No.1”Logistics Center（Jiaozhou），and China International Marine Containers Group and Planning Exhibition Hall of SCO Demonstration Zone successively and held informal discussions and exchanges.

Participants of the China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar in the SCO Demonstration Zone

During the investigation of the SCO Demonstration Zone in Jiaozhou，Qingdao，participants of the Seminar learned that as a center of multilateral cooperation，Qingdao enjoyed intensive advantages in such major areas as logistics，parks，trade，business travel，and finance.After listening to the cross-border e-commerce policies and general trade policies and regulations reported by Jiaozhou Customs，Askar URTEMBAEV，Deputy Head of the Administration of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Head of Kazakh delegation for China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar，said that they were eager to cooperate with the SCO Demonstration Zone. Kazakhstan needed to integrate into the development of SCO Demonstration Zone faster and speed up cooperation with China and Qingdao，especially in the SCO Demonstration Zone，under the SCO framework.They hoped that a China-Kazakhstan business cooperation platform could be set up in the SCO Demonstration Zone to provide opportunities，consultation and document preparation assistance for investment and business personnel from both sides.He also expressed willingness to jointly explore more favorable terms and possibilities for intermediary and transit trade with China.

Qingxian WANG，Member of the Standing Committee of Shandong Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of Qingdao Municipal Party Committee，meets with the participants of China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar and delivers a speech.

On the afternoon of December 13th，the Commencement of China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar was held in Qingdao.Sixteen participants from Kazakhstan Parliament，Embassy to China，the Ministry of Foreign Affairs，the Ministry of Finance，Foundation of the First President and top think tanks of the Republic of Kazakhstan successfully completed their 10-day Seminar in China.Baige ZHAO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI，Yu CHAI，Deputy Director of the Institute of Russian，Eastern European & Central Asian Studies of CASS，and Xiaoquan WANG，Deputy Director of the Research Center of Belt and Road Studies of CASS，and Secretary-Gene-ral of Chinese Association of Russian，Eastern European & Central Asian Studies of CASS，presented Certificates of Completion to the participants.Qingxian WANG，Member of the Standing Committee of Shandong Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of Qingdao Municipal Party Committee，attended the Commencement and made an important concluding speech.Hua ZHU，Member of the Standing Committee of Qingdao Municipal Committee and Secretary-General of Qingdao Municipal Committee，Shiyu ZHAO，Director of Bureau of Commerce of Qingdao，and the representatives of Qingdao outstanding enterprises also attended the Commencement.

At the Commencement，Baige ZHAO first delivered a keynote speech entitled“The B&R and New Globalization”.She pointed out that human society has entered a development stage of new globalization.The concept of“Peace and Development”advocated by China's BRI has become the banner of new globalization and the main theme of the deve-lopment in this era.China is committed to building a global community with shared interests，responsibilities and a shared future for mankind based on the principle of“Extensive Consultation，Joint Contribution and Shared Benefits”.The BRI will promote the reform and improvement of the global governance system and give a new impetus to global economic growth and all-round sustainable development.The establishment of the SCO Demonstration Zone has created a new platform for B&R international cooperation，as a pilot zone for local economic and trade cooperation.She said that China and Kazakhstan are friendly neighbors and permanent strategic partners.Kazakhstan is the first to respond to the BRI and also an important member state of the SCO.Its Bright Road Initiative is strategically linked to the BRI and the two countries share interests in many areas.China-Kazakhstan cooperation should make good use of the SCO Demonstration Zone，a new platform for international cooperation，and give full play to the development advantages of the SCO Demonstration Zone in terms of location，policy and industrial foundation.We should explore new mechanisms and modes of bilateral cooperation，build a cooperation framework between the two governments，and strengthen the coordination of policies and development plans； enhance interaction in logistics，trade，finance，business travel，and parks to achieve win-win cooperation； pay attention to exchanges and cooperation between think tanks，chambers of commerce and other organizations，and give full play to the promoting role of NGOs.In 2020，China and Kazakhstan should match their demands，mobilize resources and carry out practical cooperation in park construction，smart city construction，AI，agriculture，environmental protection and culture and tourism.

Qingxian WANG，Member of the Standing Committee of Shandong Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of Qingdao Municipal Party Committee，delivers a speech on Qingdao's role in the BRI development and China's new round of opening-up at the Conference.

Qingxian WANG pointed out in his speech that Qingdao，as a new platform for the B&R international cooperation，will give full play to the role of a node city in the economic corridor of the New Eurasian Continental Bridge，with its development focused on international trade，modern logistics，two-way investment，and business travel and culture，and further promote the new pattern of China's opening-up through“Two-way Complementation between the East and the West，Internal and External Linkage of Land and Sea”.There is large room for trade cooperation between China and the B&R countries and SCO member states.In 2019，the volume of trade between China and the SCO member states increased by 25%，and that between China and the B&R countries increased by nearly 30%.Against the background of serious trade friction between China and the U.S.，trade volume of Qingdao with foreign countries still increased by 11%，much higher than the national level.In the new round of China's reform and opening-up，Qingdao's positioning in the B&R international cooperation and China's cooperation with SCO member states is playing a huge and obviously influential role in unprecedentedly increasing its market activity，especially in the capital market and making important achievements in emerging industries and industrial structure optimization.Qingxian WANG told Kazakh participants that relying on the Qingdao SCO Demonstration Zone，future China-Kazakhstan cooperation will have great development potential and broad development space.Both sides must implement the cooperation by specific projects and push them forward one by one to ensure actual results.

Askar URTEMBAEV，Head of Kazakh delegation，and Deputy Head of the Administration of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan，expresses his gratitude to the organizers of the Seminar and Qingdao Municipal Government on behalf of the Kazakh delegation at the Commencement.

Askar URTEMBAEV，Head of Kazakh delegation，said in his speech that he had seen the achievements of China's economy in person and understood why the Chinese Government has taken Qingdao as a leading-edge base to develop high-tech industries since it is a promising city which will open up vast opportunities for Kazakhstan.

The organizers confers the Certificate of Completion to Askar URTEMBAEV，Deputy Head of the Administration of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The organizers confers the Certificate of Completion to Nurzhan ALTAYEV，Member of the Committee on Agrarian Issues of Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Seminar enabled China and Kazakhstan to have an in-depth understanding of their national conditions and policies，explore the common grounds for their practical cooperation in the future，create a new mode of bilateral exchange and dialogue，establish a new platform to help young leaders of Kazakhstan better understand China's reform and opening-up policies，the BRI，the positioning and advantages of the SCO Demonstration Zone，and draw experience from China's industrial planning，park construction，and smart city construction，share China's scientific and technological innovation achievements，jointly chart a future path for mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation，and provide new ideas for jointly building the BRI with high quality.The Seminar has strengthened the bilateral friendship.After the Seminar，Kazakh representatives said that they would seriously study and put into practice what they had learned at the Seminar，and make contributions to jointly realizing the goal of developing a permanent strategic and comprehensive partnership between China and Kazakhstan for mutual benefits and win-win situation.

Successful completion of the China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar in Qingdao

The China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar resulted in the formation of 2020 China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Program.After the Seminar，the organizer will actively collaborate with the government，think tanks，enterprises and other resources to further implement projects on smart city，park construction，agriculture，culture and tourism，logistics，new manufacturing modes，etc.，listed in the 2020 China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Program，so as to promote the practical progress of China-Kazakhstan cooperation.

2019 Brand Activity Award for RDI Achievements

As a member of the BRI Think Tanks Cooperation Alliance of the International Department of the CCCPC，RDI was invited to attend the BRI High-end Think Tank Forum—the 5th Meeting of the Council of the BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance on December 26th，2019，and won the 2019 Brand Activity Award granted by the Alliance.

The High-end B&R Think Tanks Forum—the 5th Meeting of the Council of BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance in Beijing

The Forum was jointly sponsored by the Secretariat of the BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance and the China Center for Contemporary World Studies of the International Department of the CCCPC.The Forum on the topics of“Building the BRI with High-quality：Direction and Path”was held to discuss topics such as“Changes in the External Environment of the B&R Construction”，“Tripartite Cooperation in B&R Construction”，“Coordination of Cooperation Mechanisms in B&R Construction”and“The B&R Construction and New International Relations”.The guests and speakers included Tao SONG，Minister of the International Department of the CCCPC，Yezhou GUO，Vice Minister of the International Department of the CCCPC，and Co-Chair of the BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance，Shuiping QIU，Secretary of the Party Committee of Peking University，Yang JIAO，Secretary of the Party Committee of Fudan University and Co-Chair of the BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance，Baige ZAHO，Chair of Advisory Committee of RDI.

Tao SONG，Minister of the International Department of the CCCPC，delivers a speech at the Forum.

Tao SONG said in his address at the Opening Ceremony that the BRI had become a highlight of global economic development and governance reform.President Xi attaches great importance to the role of think tank in national governance and in the building of the BRI and emphasizes“to give play to think tanks and build alliance and cooperation network of think tanks”[5].Since its establishment five years ago，the BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance has conducted much fruitful work in policy interpretation，investigation and research.It is expected that the BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance will have a deeper understanding of the essence of President Xi Jinping's important statement on the BRI，will improve its ability to serve the BRI，build a theoretical system and discourse system of the BRI and strengthen its internal construction.The International Department of the CCCPC will further support the work of the alliance.Together with all council member units，it will provide intellectual support for the high-quality B&R cooperation and contribute wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind by giving full play to the advantages of the BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance in its extensive contacts with all sectors of society.

Baige ZHAO expresses in her speech that RDI will take the award as a new starting point for the construction of think tank alliance and the BRI development at the Forum.

Baige ZHAO said in her speech that the B&R is an important carrier of new globalization and an important way for China to be in the limelight of the international arena，and think tanks are irreplaceable as pathfinder and forerunner in joint B&R construction with high quality.Under the policy guidance of the Party and the country，and with the support of the BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance，RDI has assumed its own responsibilities and stayed committed to contributing wisdom and strength in the critical historical period of national development by focusing on the major issues urgently needed for decision making of the Party and the government to carry out forward-looking，targeted and reserved policy research，put forward professional，constructive and practical policy recommendations.

ZHAO pointed out that RDI keeps pace with the times and continuously explores new ideas for innovative development as an application-oriented think tank.First，RDI closely follows the key topics of the BRI，and actively carries out think tank research and promotes international cooperation by focusing on the construction of six economic corridors and key international relations.Up to now，RDI has submitted a total of 48 research reports to the central government，all of which have received important instructions from state leaders.Some reports and recommendations have been translated into policies and measures of relevant ministries and local governments.RDI has established close high-level contacts with important node countries such as Myanmar，Pakistan，Kazakhstan，Uzbekistan，Ethiopia，and Sri Lanka，with which bilateral activities have been effectively carried out.It is reflected in RDI receiving the 2019 Brand Activity Award by the Council of BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance of the International Department of the CCCPC for successfully holding China-Kazakhstan Jointly Building B&R International High-level Seminar.

Certificate and Trophy for 2019 Brand Activity Award to RDI by the Council of BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance of the International Department of the CCCPC

Second，RDI serves as a platform to integrate resources.The winners and leaders in the 21st century are not individuals who go it alone，but the people who are good at integrating resources.With rich resources of CASS and CAS，RDI has carried out flexible management and systematic integration to bring talents and technologies into full play.

Third，RDI emphasizes overall progress led by node cities and forms an overall layout of“City+Country+Region”.RDI links the key indu-strial parks and enterprises in domestic node cities such as Qingdao，Zhuhai，Nanning，Ningbo，and Suzhou，for the new round of opening-up，and brings out in-depth coordination and practical cooperation with SCO member states，Portuguese-speaking countries，Central & Eastern European Countries ，European and American countries，and ASEAN countries.Besides，RDI continues to explore new mechanisms and models for bilateral cooperation，strengthen exchanges and cooperation among think tanks，chambers of commerce and other organizations，so as to exert the interactive effect of multi-platforms.

The BRI Think Tank Cooperation Alliance has been paying attention and giving support to RDI since its establishment five years ago.It is the acknowledgement and encouragement of RDI's work by the Alliance to grant RDI the 2019 Brand Activity Award.RDI will take it as a new starting point to devote itself to the construction of think tank alliance，and contribute to building the B&R into a road of peace，prosperity，openness，development，innovation，and civilization.

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[1] “Chinese President Xi meets with Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier BETTEL in Beijing on June 14th，2017”，http://www.xinhuanet.com//english/2017-06/14/c_136365785.htm.

[2] From President Xi's remarks at the Symposium on Philosophy and Social Sciences Work on May 17th，2016，http://theory.people.com.cn/n1/2017/0626/c40531-29363635.html.

[3] From President Xi's signed article on Greek Newspaper on November 10th，2019，http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201911/10/WS5dc7a6d8a310cf3e355766bb.html.

[4] “Chinese VP addresses opening ceremony of New Economy Forum in Beijing on November 21st”，2019，http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-11/21/c_138572897.htm.

[5] From President Xi's speech at the 1st Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on May 14th，2017，http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-05/14/c_136282982.htm.