High-level Dinner for World Frontier Tech Conference and 10th Anniversary of The Belt and Road Initiative held in Hong Kong, calling for the study and implementation of President Xi’s initiative

On December 1st, International High-level Networking Dinner for the 2023 World Frontier Technology Conference and the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, along with the Golden Eagle Medal of Honour Award Ceremony, were successfully held in Hong Kong. It was joined by officials of The China International Technology Promotion Association, a national-level organization, and officials of World Trade United Foundation, an United Nations Consultative NGO, as well as five countries’ consulates general and their representatives from Nigeria, Pakistan, Dominica, Brunei, Eritrea, and esteemed guests. The event received congratulations from over 20 countries.

During the dinner, the guests learned about the spirit and essence of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative through keynote speeches, videos, and discussions. They reviewed the ten-year journey and achievements of the initiative, gaining insights into the cooperation between China and other countries and their landmark projects.

The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference is an important component of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). In September of this year, the CIFTIS opened in Beijing, and Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a video speech to the CIFTIS. Over 80 countries and international organizations set up exhibition booths, and more than 2,400 companies participated . During the CIFTIS, the second World Frontier Science and Technology Conference was held at the Beijing National Convention Center, where Chinese and foreign guests discussed the theme of “Technology Creating a Better Future.”

The China International Association for Promotion of Science and Technology, a national-level society, and the World Trade United Foundation, an United Nations’ Consultative NGO jointly decided to host the World Frontier Science and Technology Conference in Hong Kong. This is an opportunity to implement the dual circulation development strategy mentioned in the “fourteenth Five-Year Plan and Vision 2035” by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. It aims to better respond to the call for “practicing innovation, coordination, green, open, and shared development concepts,” allowing Hong Kong to play the role of a “super connector” in international exchanges and enhance its position as an international scientific and technological innovation center.

Prof. NG Tat-yung: Learning and implementing the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative to promote high-quality global development.

Prof. NG Tat-yung the Founder of World Trade United Foundation mentioned, Global cooperation is also crucial for promoting the development of frontier technologies. Only by strengthening international cooperation, sharing technological resources and knowledge across borders and regions, can we better respond to global challenges and achieve win-win outcomes in technological innovation. We call on all sectors to learn from and implement the spirit and principles of the Belt and Road Initiative, further strengthen international cooperation at all levels, and rely on the achievements of the Belt and Road construction to promote high-quality development of global scientific and technological innovation and industries. Let us live up to President Xi’s expectations, contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and move towards a brighter and more prosperous future together.

“Within the framework of international cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative, all parties should uphold the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, work together to address the challenges facing the world economy, create new development opportunities, seek new driving forces for development, expand new development space, and continuously move towards the direction of a community with a shared future for mankind.” This is the original intention behind President Xi’s proposal for this initiative, and it is also the highest goal his hope to achieve through this initiative. 

The concept of building the Belt and Road has been incorporated into the outcome documents of multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Looking back at the past 10 years, the construction achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative have been substantial and solid, bringing more brightness, opportunities, and prosperity to the world, and receiving widespread recognition from the international community.

China has signed over 200 cooperation documents on jointly building the Belt and Road with 152 countries and 32 international organizations, covering all five continents worldwide.

From 2013 to 2022, China’s goods trade volume and non-financial direct investment with Belt and Road countries increased by an average of 8.6% and 5.8% respectively. Cumulative two-way investment with partner countries has exceeded 270 billion US dollars. The cumulative value of newly signed contracts and completed turnover of construction projects in participating countries has exceeded 1.2 trillion US dollars and 800 billion US dollars, respectively.

China’s opening-up continues to deepen forming a comprehensive pattern of coordinated development among land routes and sea routes, as well as mutual assistance between the east and the west.

Dr. Datin Sri NG Tsz-yan: WTUF Actively Participates in the Belt and Road Initiative Construction

The Chairman of Central Council of the World Trade United Foundation addressed, the Foundation is an international non-governmental organization with special consultative status with the United Nations. With its roots in Hong Kong, it has permanent institutions established at the United Nations and offices in 14 cities in China, the United States, and Europe. Its members come from 29 countries and have established connections and cooperative relationships with over 70 countries. We work around the affairs related to the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, assisting governments, businesses, social organizations, and even individuals in achieving sustainable development and actively contributing in various levels.

Over the past 22 years, we have organized nearly 2,000 economic and trade development and public welfare advocacy activities, collaborated with over 500 government and non-governmental organizations, and hosted multiple international events throughout the year. We have also organized the largest charity event in the history of Chinese Americans and Australians. We have received support and recognition from domestic and foreign political and business leaders, as well as multiple institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, and have been honored with over a hundred awards.

The World Trade United Foundation will fully leverage its strengths and role, actively participate in the Belt and Road construction, and make positive contributions to promoting economic development, cooperation, exchange, and the well-being of people in various countries and regions. We hope that in the future, more like-minded and capable individuals will join us, work together to promote global economic, trade, and technological development, and contribute to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

ZHANG Shaochun:”The conference will serve as a node for international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.”

Mr. ZHANG Shaochun, Vice President and Secretary-General of the China International Association for Promotion of Science and Technology, introduced that the China International Fair for Trade in Services is a national-level social organization established in 1988 with the approval of the State Council’s Science and Technology Leading Group of the People’s Republic of China. Adhering to the principle of “industrializing technology and technologizing industry,” we are committed to promoting technological innovation, popularizing science, transforming scientific and technological achievements, nurturing scientific and technological talents, and international scientific and technological exchanges. We have established close cooperative relationships with many well-known domestic and international universities and research institutions and have formed a high-level scientific and technological think tank with academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and international academies at its core. Frontier technology has always been a key area of focus for our association.

The success of the conference in the past two editions has not only received extensive attention and welcome from both domestic and international communities but has also been recognized by relevant national departments. We hope that the conference will not only be held during the Service Trade Fair but will also play a bigger role in international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

World Frontier Science and Technology Conference in Hong Kong as a continuation of the international scientific and technological exchange work and the expansion of influence for the World Frontier Science and Technology Conference is also a positive response to the “Service Trade Fair” and the “World Frontier Science and Technology Conference” never-ending initiative put forward by the Beijing Municipal Government and the Ministry of Commerce. The Conference will leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantage of “backing on the motherland and connecting to the world” and actively engage with mainland China and other Belt and Road partners. It will stand at the forefront of international scientific and technological exchanges, technological innovation, integrate global scientific and technological talents and achievements, implement a strategy of technological empowerment, actively promote the implementation of global development initiatives, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Paul Tse: Promoting technological cooperation and ensuring fair and sustainable distribution of technological advancements.

Hon. Paul TSE Wai-chun, JP, Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and Chairman of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, as well as the Chairman of the Executive Council of the World Trade United Foundation suggest that the Belt and Road Initiative provides a unique platform to foster such cooperation in the realm of science and technology. By aligning policies, harmonizing standards, and promoting technology transfer, we can ensure that the benefits of technological advancement are distributed equitably and sustainably.

First, we must foster an environment that encourages innovation and protects intellectual property rights, providing the necessary incentives for research and development. 

Second, we must strengthen international cooperation and dialogue, developing harmonized standards and encouraging technology transfer. 

Finally, we must ensure that technological progress leads to inclusive growth. No one should be left behind in the march towards the future.

As we stand at the intersection of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and the World Frontier Science and Technology Conference, our greatest strength lies in our ability to collaborate, to learn from each other, and to work together towards a shared vision. 

The future of technology is intertwined with the future of humanity, and it is upon us to ensure that this future is bright, inclusive, and equitable.

Consul General ADEYEMI, Consul General BUTT, LAM Kwong-siu, and FUNG Chi-kin were awarded the Golden Eagle Medal of Honor (GEMH)

Dato’ Sri Prof. NG Tat-yung, SSAP awarded the Golden Eagle Medals of Honor (GEMH) respectively to Hon. Dr. Adebayo E. ADEYEMI the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Hong Kong and Macau, and Hon. Bilal Ahmad BUTT the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Hong Kong and Macau, and Mr. LAM Kwong-siu, GBS SBS, Delegate of the 10th National People’s Congress, and Mr. FUNG Chi-kin, former Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, in recognition and tribute to their outstanding contributions in promoting harmony and compassion in the global community, as well as their philanthropic dedication.

List of Attendants

1. ­H.H. Dato’ Sri Prof. NG Tat-yung, SSAP, DIMP, International Steering Committee Member of UN Decade for Action on Water High Level International Conference, Founding Steering Committee Member of UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on Environment, Founder of World Trade United Foundation, Executive Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
2. Dr. YU Sun-say, GBM, GBS, JP, Standing Committee Member of the 10th & 11th CPPCC National Committee, Founding Chairman of Hong Kong Association for Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, Permanent Honorable Chairman of World Trade United Foundation, Co-Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
3. Datin Sri Dr. Irys NG Tsz-yan, Member International Steering Committee of High Level International Conference on UN’s Water Action Decade, and Chairman of Central Committee of World Trade United Foundation, Co-Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
4. ZHANG Shaochun, Vice President and Secretary General of China International Association for Promotion of Science and Technology
5. YAN Bohua, member of the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee of the Central Committee of the China Democratic National Construction Association, member of the Beijing Municipal Committee, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Executive Director of the China International Technology Promotion Association, Secretary-General of the Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Affairs Committee, and Executive Chairman of the World Frontier Science & Technology Conference
6. LAM Kwong-siu, GBS, SBS, Deputy to 10th National People’s Congress, Former Vice Chairman of Bank of China International Holdings Limited, Former Independent Non-Executive Director of CITIC International Financial Holdings Limited, Co-Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
7. CAI Yi, JP, Deputy of National People’s Congress, Chairman of Hong Kong Island Federation, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Hong Kong Island Social Services Charitable Foundation, Founding President of Hong Kong Island Federation of Professions
8. Hon. Dr. Adebayo E. ADEYEMI, Consul General of Federal Republic of Nigeria in Hong Kong
9. Hon. Bilal Ahmad BUTT, Consul General of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Hong Kong
10. Hon. Eduardo Pelagio ALVAREZ HERNADEZ, Consul General of The Islamic Republic of Iran in Hong Kong
11. Ms. Siti Nur Adidah Md ARSHAD, Vice Consul of Brunei Darussalam in Hong Kong
12. Hon. James HUANG, Honorary Consul of The State of Eritrea in Hong Kong, Member of the CPPCC Committee for the Shenzhen, Vice Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
13. FUNG Chi Kin, Former Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Former Executive Director of Bank of China International Holdings, Honorable Chairman of World Trade United Foundation, Co-Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
14. Thomas CHEUNG, MH, JP, Deputy to 13th National People’s Congress, Honorary Chairman of World Trade United Foundation, Vice Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
15. ZHEUNG Hualin, Deputy Secretary-General of China International Association for Promotion of Science and Technology, Supervisor of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Regions of China Working Committee
16. KONG Ailing, Member of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Honorary Chairman of Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Federation, Secretary and Presidentof Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Association, Founding Chairman of the Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Overseas Chinese Committee, Consultant of Global Investment Fund, Vice Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
17. Dr. LI Rong, Member of the CPPCC Committee for the Shenzhen, President of Shenzhen Quality Association, President of Shenzhen Quality Consumption Research Institute, Vice Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
18. Hon. Paul TSE, JP, Member of Legislative Council, Chairman of the Committee on Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, Chairman of Executive Council of World Trade United Foundation, Executive Vice Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
19. ZHU Yulong, JP, Member of the CPPCC for the Anhui Province, President of the Sorority of CPPCC for the Anhui Provincial, President of Huizhou Overseas Chinese Business Investment Promotion Association
20. Roger YUEN Kwok-ming, Member of the 10th to 12th CPPCC Committee of the Shanghai Municipality, Former Head of Private Banking for China and Taiwan of Bank of East Asia Limited, The First General Manager for Citibank N.A. in Shanghai, Vice Chairman of The World Frontier Science and Technology Conference (Hong Kong)
21. Dr. Rocky CHENG, Chief Information Officer of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Chairman of Hong Kong Computer Society
22. Juliana YU, Member of the CPPCC for the Jiangsu Province, Vice-Chairman of Global Investment Fund
23. Pamela PECK, Honorary Chairman of World Trade United Foundation, Former District Councilor of Wan Chai District Council, Elite Media Worker
24. HUNG Chi-Kit, Member of the CPPCC for the Chengdu Municipality, Chairman of Social Services Committee of World Trade United Foundation
25. LIN Dan-feng, Founding Chairman of Shenzhen M&A Association of Listed Companies, Honorary Chairman of Qianhai Financial Innovation Promotion Association
26. XIAO Baihong, Senior Director and Vice President of Technology R&D at NIO
27. SHI Hui, Executive Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the World Frontier Science and Technology Conference
28. ZI Hong-jun, Executive Chairman of Qianhai Financial Innovation Promotion Association, Vice President of Shenzhen Chamber of Commerce, Deputy Chairman of Shenzhen National Defense Education Promotion Association
29. WEI Bo, General Manager of Development Department of the State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC)
30. YAN Fantao, Chairman for Biotechnology Development, Greater Bay Area Economic and Trade Association
31. Willim ANG, Vice Chairman of World Trade United Foundation, Branch Director of Manulife (International) Ltd.
32. Ir. Simon NGO, Vice Chairman of China Dominican General Chamber of Commerce, Head of Engineering of Towngas
33. Behzad MIRZAEI, Former Chairman of MENA Committee of General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong

• Apologize for not being able to list all of guests due to the large number of them.

世貿聯合基金總會成立於 2001 年，是大型國際非牟利機構、聯合國諮商組織。目前在 14 個國家和地區設有辦事處，逾 70 個國家建立合作關係，全球會員逾10 萬人，致力踐行聯合國可持續發展目標，推動全球命運共同體建設，促進全球經貿文化的交流與合作，參與公益事業和慈善工作，創造會員良好營商環境。秉持「自由平等、靈活創新、發展共贏」的宗旨，20 年來覆蓋 16 個國家 88 個城市，累積 200 逾萬受益者，23 億傳播量。開展近 2000 場公益宣導與經貿文化活動，百場文化藝術盛宴促全球人文交流，組織百場教育論壇助社會進步；主辦聯合國亞太地區史上最大型公益活動「世界和平祈禱大會」，合辦及參與的政府與非政府組織、僑會、商會等超 500 個，連續兩周 20 萬人參加；常年主辦多個國際大型活動，創美國華裔和澳大利亞史上最大型慈善盛會。

世貿總會與聯合國「水促進可持續發展」國際行動十年國際高級別會議為合作夥伴，自2016年11月起，已在中、美、澳、韓、塔吉克等國家和地區成功召開十屆「全球水資源可持續發展論壇」系列活動，累計萬人現場參與、萬次媒體報道、受眾群體達千萬人。歷屆活動獲得聯合國大會主席和秘書長、聯合國環境大會主席、172個國家的聯合國代表，百位國家領導人、元首特使和政要，以及高尖端領域的科學技術專家等全球千餘組織機構的參與支持和矚目認可。

下設25個分支機構，包括國際標量波量子研究院、全球阿爾法全腦開發研究院、全球水資源可持續發展基金等。在全球持續開展38項大型公益項目，開設慈善學校和孤兒院，長期資助2000多位孩童；3000余位青少年受益全腦開發課程，為世界未來力量培養人才；拯救12500只流浪動物重獲新生；組織上千位義工搶險救災，為上千人提供遮風擋雨的溫暖家園；組織36500位長者共赴新春盆菜宴，破吉尼斯世界紀錄；千位青年獲免費電商培訓與千萬創業基金；國際創客空間囊括20000余家創新科技類企業；響應「一帶一路」發展政策，搭建全球戰略合作平台；促進國與國之間友好城市交流與建設，已成為國際民間外交的重要樞紐。