Honorable Ministers, Excellencies,
Distinguished participants and esteemed delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am honored to speak at this High Level Forum on Digital Economy of the Third Belt and Road Forum, a platform that exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and connectivity. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for extending an invitation to the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to participate in this important gathering.
The development of secure and effective systems of transportation corridors, trade and investment were naturally integrated into the CICA Confidence Building Measures Catalogue as priority areas of the economic dimension of interaction among the Member States and the importance of this area will only grow considering the strengthening of Asia’s role in the global market of goods and services.
In this regard, CICA Chairmanship and Secretariat are actively working on establishment of the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity, initiated by President Tokayev of Kazakhstan at 6th CICA Summit, to develop and strengthen the transit and transport potential and transportation corridors of the CICA Member States. By fostering cooperation and coordination, the Council will pave the way for a more interconnected and prosperous Asia. The idea of the Council is closely interrelated with the connectivity projects, like The Belt and Road Initiative, East-West, North-South corridors, and Eurasian economic integration processes.
Within the CICA framework we have the Business Council, which includes representatives of business associations and government agencies of the Member States to promote the development and expansion of the economic relations of SMEs and meets annually, convening the CICA Business Forum as part of its meetings.
In 2022, the discussion was centered on digitalization of SME business processes and food security. The next meeting of the CICA Business Council and its Business Forum will be held in November to discuss green finance, renewable energy, and food security. In 2024 the discussion will focus on implementation of artificial intelligence in SMEs for growth facilitation, development of e-commerce, addressing challenges in logistics and infrastructure via innovative solutions.
Member States are encouraged to use CICA platform to explore opportunities for collaboration in the digital economy, including joint research and development, technology transfers, and expertise sharing. This can facilitate the growth of the digital economy in the region. At the same time, we understand the importance of a secure digital environment, thus the “Security of and in the use of ICT’s” was enshrined in the CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures. In 2022 at 6th Summit CICA leaders emphasized the strategic need to promote ICT security by adopting a thematic statement that is currently guiding our cooperation in this field.
Dear colleagues,
I would like to highlight China's commitment to maintaining and developing international cooperation. President’s Xi Jinping proposals on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative along with the new initiatives within BRI are giving powerful positive energy to the advancement of the process of mutual respect, trust and cooperation among states. As a coordinator and co-coordinator of a number of priority areas in CICA agenda, China actively organizes, participates and proposes a number of important initiatives in the CICA framework. During its Chairmanship in CICA in 2014-2018 China played a vital role in strengthening the ties between countries and organized multiple events to promote the Belt and Road Initiative.
It is crucial that Asia have its own vision of the synergy of Asian and Eurasian connectivity projects in the digital era. Coherent efforts without politicization by all stakeholders of the issue of forging such a vision will undoubtedly serve as a significant contribution to the development of Asian economies, creation of new jobs, increase in employment, the stability of the continent and its resistance to contemporary challenges and threats.
In conclusion, CICA is fully committed and open to deepen international cooperation for economic development and promote multilateralism. We believe that by working together, we can create a more prosperous, stable, and interconnected Asia, where nations and peoples can thrive in an environment of peace and cooperation.
I look forward to fruitful discussions and collaborations during this forum, and I am confident that our collective efforts will contribute to the success of the Belt and Road Initiative and the well-being of our region. Thank you.
Beijing, China, 18 October 2023
