Welcome to the seventh edition of the Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Since its inception in 2016, the Summit has become an ideal platform for the business community and governments across the world to exchange views and know-how, and explore and seize opportunities for collaboration to contribute to greater global connectivity and development.
Despite the challenges the world is facing now, the desire for meaningful connections remains strong. In 2021, the Summit attracted more than 18,000 viewers from more than 80 countries and regions. Also, 800 business matching meetings were conducted for more than 260 investment projects, creating many opportunities for investors, project owners and professional service providers.
This year, we are delighted that the Summit is among the highlights of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s 25th anniversary celebrations. I am pleased that we are able to stage the Summit this year in hybrid format, offering the dual opportunity to gather in person while engaging virtually a wider global audience.
The Summit’s theme this year “Heralding a New Chapter: Collaborate and Innovate” reflects this sentiment. As we embrace a new chapter, the Summit explores how to drive growth and capture opportunities through collaboration and innovation, particularly through synergies between macro initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Greater Bay Area development and RCEP. Our Policy Dialogue and Business Plenaries are complemented by thematic breakout sessions, including on opportunities for young leaders.
I hope you will take this opportunity to exchange views, pitch your projects and strengthen collaboration and innovation in the spirit of taking the world forward towards sustainable development. I thank our partners, sponsors, speakers and participants for helping to make this event a success, and wish you a rewarding Summit and the best of business in the year ahead.