Imperial Springs International Forum (ISIF) – a high-level forum was held at Guangzhou Imperial Springs International Convention Center today. Mr. Hu Chunhua, Member of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and Secretary of CPC Guangdong Committee, attended the opening ceremony. Five former heads of state or government, respectively from Australia, Mexico, Greece, Italy and Sweden attended the forum, delivered keynote speeches and conducted meetings and exchanges with Chinese entrepreneurs. About 100 international dignitaries, scholars, business leaders and media representatives were present.
Imperial Springs International Forum was jointly organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association (ACFEA). With the theme of “One Belt, One Road -- New opportunities and New Cooperation”, the forum explored new pathways for security and cooperation in Asia-Pacific as well as peace and development of the world. Mr. Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia, Madam Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Dr. Chau Chak Wing, President of the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association addressed the opening ceremony of the forum. Vice Governor Liu Zhigeng of Guangdong Province, among other officials, attended the forum.
In his opening address, Mr. Hu Chunhua, Member of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and Secretary of CPC Guangdong Committee remarked: “Since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed, more and more countries and international friends have shown their understanding and recognition of it, and have responded to the initiative with enthusiasm. As an important starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road in China, Guangdong welcomes the new historical opportunities presented by the development of the Belt and Road. We stand ready to enhance our economic and trade cooperation as well as people-to-people ties with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, and build Guangdong into an important engine, strategic hub and economic and trade center on the 21st Maritime Silk Road”.
Mr. Hu Chunhua emphasized that Guangdong’s economy has already deeply integrated into world economy. Opening-up will remain to be Guangdong’s greatest advantage. Guangdong will unswervingly open wider to the outside world, attract more foreign investment and speed up its process of going global. Efforts will be made to develop the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone with high standards, and constantly improve the level of opening-up. This forum is an important platform for further exchanges and cooperation. Mr. Hu sincerely hoped that Guangdong will further its economic and trade cooperation with the rest of the world in its process of wider opening-up and development within the Belt and Road Initiative. Guangdong welcomes more foreign enterprises here to make investments and develop their business, for mutual benefits and win-win.
At the opening ceremony, Madam Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in her speech mentioned that with the joint efforts of all relevant parties, the vision and action plan for the Belt and Road Initiative were already made public. Preparatory work for Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has progressed smoothly. The Silk Road Fund was successfully set up. A number of infrastructure connectivity projects have already progressed. These early harvest projects have demonstrated to us the grand prospect of the Belt and Road. China’s development was achieved with the participation and support from the international community. As China develops, world development will benefit. We hope the successful outcomes of this forum will serve to be invaluable reference for the development of China and the whole world.
Dr. Chau Chak Wing, President of the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association pointed out in his speech that the Belt and Road Initiative has a bright prospect that we aspire to. While there are common pursuits and interests in the present-day world, there are also many differences and even disputes. In order to manage disputes and avoid misunderstanding and mis-judgement, we need to enhance mutual understanding. It is therefore necessary to conduct all kinds of government or non-government, formal or informal high-level dialogues. All kinds of high-level dialogues will serve to further promote policy coordination, unimpeded trade, financial integration and greater facilities connectivity. Today’s Imperial Springs is an ideal place for this kind of high-level dialogues and communication.
Mr. Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia addressed the audience at the opening ceremony with impeccable Mandarin Chinese. He said that he came to China as early as more than 30 years ago, and visited Guangzhou and Shenzhen. China has experienced dramatic changes in the past three decades. Today’s China impresses the world with its national strength and contributes hugely to world peace and development. He feels optimistic about China’s future development, for China is undergoing economic restructuring as well as transformation of its development mode. China has the strength to develop against the downward pressure of world economy. Many Chinese businesses are dynamic and successful. The core aim of this Imperial Springs International Forum was to conduct dialogues, for driving the economic development of our region. He believes that the forum will be a complete success.
Other former political leader, including Mr. Felipe Calderón, former President of Mexico, Mr. George Papandreou, former Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Romano Prodi, former Prime Minister of Italy, Mr. Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Marty Natalegawa, former Foreign Minister of Indonesia, and Mr. Terje Rod-Larsen, President International Peace Institute delivered speeches at the high-level forum. They congratulated on the opening of the forum and shared with the participants their insights on the forum theme from different perspectives.
The opening ceremony and the high-level forum were moderated by Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
Also attending the opening ceremony of Imperial Springs International Forum were Mr. He Yafei, Vice Minister of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr. Chen Rugui, Standing Member of CPC Guangzhou Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of Guangzhou.
Before the opening ceremony, the VIPs planted cassia trees, a symbol of friendship and cooperation.
This Imperial Springs International Forum will conclude on October 18. Forum participants from around the world will conduct in-depth discussions on specific issues related to the Belt and Road Initiative, covering areas including regional cooperation and challenges, cross-border financial services, trade and investment, and security. At the same time, the participants will exchanges views on how to enhance economic ties, promote regional development and develop a security outlook for Asia.
The conference organizer describes Imperial International Convention Center as an ideal place for high-level forums. In the past four years, a number of events, including Global Economic Forum, Global Summit of SME Leaders and Going into Latin America Forum, were held here. Mr. Bill Clinton, former President of the United States of America and Mr. John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia visited Imperial International Convention Center and delivered speeches.