CIDCA vice-chairman addresses government-business dialogue at China-Indian Ocean region forum

The Government-Business Dialogue, a sideline event of the third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation, was held on Dec 15 in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan province. Vice-Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Zhao Fengtao spoke at the event.

Zhao said that the ocean is a treasure house for mankind. The Chinese government attaches great importance to ocean governance and cooperation in the development of the blue economy, has assisted a large number of landmark projects and small-yet-smart projects, and trained more than 6,000 marine talents, he said.

To expand pragmatic cooperation in the region, the forum initiated the government-business dialogue this year as a cooperation platform for participants from governments, enterprises and financial institutions, focusing on the three aspects of infrastructure cooperation, digital empowerment and marine cultural tourism. China will continue to deepen the blue partnerships with all parties, help the Global South to seize the blue opportunities and jointly advance sustainable development, he added.

He called for building consensus among governments, corporate and financial sectors and their joint efforts to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. He also called for shared development and efforts in integration of aid, investment and trade, further tapping the unique advantages of foreign assistance in policy guidance, pilot practice and talent cultivation to create opportunities for corporate investment, trade and financing. He also highlighted openness and inclusiveness and called for strengthening exchanges and cooperation within and outside the region, between the Global South and North, and among multiple entities, where China will share its experiences in modernization and enhance intellectual support for countries in the region.

Vice-Governor of Yunnan Liu Yong also addressed the event.

The dialogue was jointly hosted by the CIDCA's Foreign Aid Support Center and the Department of Commerce of Yunnan. Government representatives from more than 20 countries, including the Seychelles and Sri Lanka, and more than 200 representatives from over 80 international organizations, local governments, financial institutions, Chinese-funded enterprises and think tanks engaged in lively discussion.