#China #Belt and Road #Fuzhou #GCCAC

Advancing Cooperation Through the GCCAC

The 2024 Belt and Road Commerce Chambers and Associations Conference (GCCAC) took place on December 5 in Fuzhou, located in East China's Fujian Province. This significant event was centered around the theme "Maritime Fuzhou: Together for a New Chapter in Maritime Silk Road Cooperation." It served as a platform for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to enhance connectivity and cooperate across various fields including economy, trade, culture, and technology.

A New Chapter in Maritime Cooperation

With the BRI entering a new phase focused on high-quality development, the conference gathered ambassadors, leaders from provincial and municipal levels, heads of business associations, and corporate representatives to explore innovative models for enhancing collaboration. During the day's activities, participants identified strategies to foster mutual benefits and shared prosperity along the Maritime Silk Road.

Fuzhou carries a historic significance as a pivotal origin point of the Maritime Silk Road, reinforcing its role in the high-quality construction of the BRI. Guo Ningning, a prominent member of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Municipal Committee in Fuzhou, emphasized that the city is strategically positioned to expand its openness and engagement with the BRI’s goals. He stated that the conference is crucial for generating new momentum and vitality in BRI initiatives.

Contributions from Civil Society

Cui Shixin, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the People's Daily, remarked on the tremendous growth of the BRI since its inception by President Xi Jinping. The decade-long journey has seen business associations becoming vital links between enterprises, governments, and communities, laying a foundation for exchanges and cooperation that promote trade and cultural understanding.

The conference aimed to harness the economic strengths of business associations alongside harnessing media power to further make the BRI not just a "belt of development" for global prosperity, but also a "road of happiness" for enhancing global well-being. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders are poised to deepen practical advancements for BRI initiatives worldwide.

Strategic Collaborations for Future Progress

Guided by the People's Daily, this gathering included various organizations overseeing the event to ensure comprehensive access to opportunities for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Organizations such as the Fuzhou Municipal People's Government and the Fujian Federation of Commerce and Industry played pivotal roles in coordinating efforts to optimize the event’s outcomes.

The interaction between domestic and international business representatives inspired discussions on potential joint ventures and collaborative projects that are crucial for stimulating further development. As the GCCAC highlights the importance of cooperation across borders, it encourages participants to engage in meaningful partnerships that can foster innovations, enhance trade, and contribute to a more interconnected global economy.

In summary, the GCCAC serves not only as a forum for discussion but as a dynamic initiative aiming to propel the Belt and Road Initiative into a new era of collaboration and growth. The commitment from diverse groups to innovate and cooperate embodies the spirit of the BRI, ensuring that regional and global growth benefits all stakeholders involved.