CIDCA vice-chairman speaks at roundtable on regional connectivity at Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025

A roundtable on regional connectivity was held on March 26, as part of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025. Zhao Fengtao, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), attended the session and delivered a speech.

Zhao said that the world is undergoing profound transformations unseen in a century, in which globalization is facing challenges that hinder its momentum, and that the role of connectivity in driving global economic growth has become increasingly important. He emphasized that China has consistently upheld the principle of strengthening international connectivity and has taken concrete actions to advance this goal. 

To enhance connectivity at a higher level, China has prioritized the application of digital technologies and explored new development directions. China has repeatedly stressed the importance of global cooperation in promoting digital connectivity, bridging the digital divide, and supporting digital transformation in developing countries, thereby providing a clear framework for international collaboration in this domain, according to Zhao. As the governmental body responsible for China's foreign aid and international development cooperation, the CIDCA is committed to advancing connectivity in the digital era and assisting countries in the Global South in embracing the digital revolution, he said.

Digital connectivity is not only a developmental issue but also a matter of global governance, according to Zhao. The Chinese government stands ready to work with the international community to continuously promote digital connectivity in Asia and foster shared development, he said. Specifically, China will continue to strengthen digital infrastructure construction, advancing landmark digital projects and "small-yet-smart" people's livelihood projects in a coordinated manner to establish a comprehensive digital infrastructure network across Asia. China will accelerate the improvement of the digital governance system by establishing multilevel mechanisms for dialogue and consultation, aiming to shape an Asian digital governance framework based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. China will further enhance digital capacity-building efforts, increasing support for other developing countries to cultivate more professionals in digital governance, research and development and practical applications. China will strive to balance digital security and sovereignty by assisting other developing countries in improving their legal frameworks, expanding international cooperation and building robust digital ecosystems to better protect their rights and interests in the digital age.

Eighteen representatives, including former deputy prime minister of Singapore Wong Kan Seng, former foreign minister of Indonesia Marty M. Natalegawa, Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Mathias Cormann and Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Nurlan Yermekbayev, delivered speeches at the roundtable.