Seven NPC delegates and CPPCC members shared their views on the "One Belt and One Road Initiative" with media during China's ongoing annual legislative and political advisory sessions. [Special Coverage]
Shi Guilu, deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), vice president of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce:
"Participating in the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road reserves business opportunities for private enterprises. Private enterprises have responsibilities to implement the national macro-economic policies to seize opportunities in the development process and achieve win-win profits in the overseas market," Shi said.
According to Shi, China's private enterprises' "going global" strategy is still in an early stage. Many enterprises have met difficulties during the global development process.
Zong Qinghou, deputy to the NPC, chairman and general manager of Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co Ltd:
"The 'One Belt One Road' countries are full of business opportunities and development potential. Investment to the countries and regions are not only able to help the development of local economies, but also promote the transformation of domestic industry.
However, there are also some concerns on implementation difficulties. According to Zong, most Chinese enterprises lack background knowledge about countries along the routs. Secondly, the enterprises may suffer profit loss and local employees may also even face security threats as safety conditions in some countries are not very stable at the moment. Thirdly, some enterprises lack international operational experience, which may cause commercial disputes.
Dong Caiping, deputy to the NPC, chairman of Zenith Steel Group Co Ltd:
"Steel enterprises should seize the strategic opportunities brought by the 'One Belt One Road' initiative, and actively develop overseas markets," said Dong.
According to Dong, since last year, a number of large infrastructure projects have been signed under the "One Belt One Road" initiative. Domestic steel enterprises should make use of this strategic cooperation to explore the increasing demand of these countries' market.
Zhao Ping, deputy to the NPC, chief engineer of R&D center of Dongfang Electric Co Ltd:
The "One Belt One Road" strategy provides a broad international cooperation space for equipment manufacturing enterprises," said Zhao.
According to Zhao, China has occupied an important position in the world economy, so its companies should also have a global vision of the market. Participating in the global market cannot only bring opportunities to accelerate growth of domestic enterprises, but also offer the best stage to show the charm of "made-in-China" products.
"The going global of the equipment manufacturing industry cannot be misunderstood as export overcapacity," said Zhao. She also proposed that government and related authorities present a platform to provide industrial plans and legal support to help private enterprises step into international market.
Liu Baosheng, an NPC delegate and chairman of FENGFAN Co Ltd:
Liu pointed out that markets alongshore of the "One Belt and One Road" initiative bring opportunities for national new energy companies. The initiative includes developing countries, relatively developed countries and some emerging countries and regions with different developing stages and demand. New energy industries, including new energy vehicles and stored energy, all have met the new market.
Meanwhile, companies should deal with challenges according to their own situation and local environment. For example, in newly developed markets, companies should first know local culture, lifestyle, market demand as well as policies and requirement of local countries or regions for opportunity.
Zhang Hongli, vice president of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference:
Financing is vital for the 'One Belt One Road'initiative so China should build an open, regional, multi-level capital market, relying on the Shenzhen and Shanghai Stock Exchanges and set up an international board in major cities of these countries, allowing foreign companies to issue shares and go public.
Sun Yinhuan, chairman of Yida Group, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference:
Overseas industrial zones can become important support for the construction of "One Belt and One Road" initiative. The government should establish a coordinating mechanism and a working group to enhance industrial cooperation and the planning, development, construction and operation of industrial parks. Also, banks should strengthen cooperation with industrial zones, and provide comprehensive service to them.
