Ningbo should harness BRI opportunities for growth

Wei Jianguo, vice president of China Center for International Economic Exchanges, has advised Ningbo to seize the opportunity of its position along route of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and harness the benefits to its advantage.

"Ningbo should strive to attract BRI countries to enter the Chinese market and build itself into a bridge connecting China and these countries," Wei said.

Wei, a former vice minister of commerce was addressing officials of Ningbo at a sharing session on Ningbo's role in the BRI for international cooperation in Beilun district on Aug 13.

To better maximize its position and advantage, Wei, an expert in the BRI urged city officials to consider five perspectives – working out a thought, building a platform, creating a BRI-oriented agglomeration, setting up a development fund for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and forming a professional team or think tank.

Zhang Yan, director of Ningbo Municipal Mission of Commerce introduced some of the city's efforts in contributing to BRI at the sharing session. He said Ningbo is applying to build comprehensive pilot zones concerning BRI and trade and investment with CEE countries.

"We are seeking policy breakthroughs in trade, investment and cultural exchanges with BRI countries," said Zhang, hoping that Ningbo can play a leading role in the BRI construction.

A sharing session on Belt and Road Initiative is held in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Aug 13. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]