The Embassy of the People’s Republic in China in Belgium and the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce organized the Forum ‘One Belt, One Road: Opportunities for Cooperation between Belgium and China’ on Friday 21, October 2016 in Brussels.

One Belt, One Road (OBOR) is a major initiative, launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013 that aims to connect Asia, Europe and Africa passing through over 60 countries. The overall plan consists of two parts: “Silk Road Economic Belt” and “21st Century Maritime Silk Road”.
OBOR offers immense business opportunities in China and in countries along the Belt and Road. During this forum participants gained a better understanding about this important initiative.

Following opening remarks by Chinese Ambassador Qu Xing, Deputy Prime Minister Kris Peeters delivered a keynote speech. Professor Qin Yaqing, Dean of China Foreign Affairs University
, introduced the topic “One Belt One Road Initiative: background, actions and progress”, followed by a panel discussion. After the coffee break, Mr Stefaan Vanhooren, Chairman of the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce, introduced the second Chinese speaker, Professor Yuan Peng, who discussed what kind of contributions China expects from Europe towards the One Belt One Road Initiative. His speech was also followed by a panel discussion with Mr Frank Geerkens, Port Ambassador, Antwerp Port Authority; Mr Philippe Van der Donckt, Director Business Development Recycling Asia, Umicore; Mr Erik Uyttendaele, Senior Director – Material Planning & Logistics at Volvo Cars Gent; and Professor Jan Cornelis, VUB. The event was concluded by a reception.