Not only is Zhuhai the host city of the ongoing 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Forum on International Communication & Chinese (Guangdong) Companies Going Global, it is prominent in any review of Guangdong's pioneering undertakings, a conference official stated on Nov 29.

Born of the sea and thriving there still, Zhuhai is one of China's earliest special economic zones reaching out to the world and plays a vital role in China's opening-up.

The official spoke at the opening ceremony attended by Zhuhai Party Chief Guo Yuanqiang, who made an address; Mayor Yao Yisheng, who presided, Vice Mayor Long Guangyan and other senior city officials. He added that Zhuhai needs to make further endeavors to secure its place as a pivot along China's Belt & Road.

Shen Haixiong delivers a speech [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]

The 2017 Action Report of China (Guangdong) Companies Going Global Under the Belt & Road Initiative was released during the forum.

The report examines implementation of the Going-Global national strategy in the context of the Belt & Road Initiative. It is meant to guide conference sessions at the Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Center in Shizimen Central Business District of Hengqin New Area.

Achievements made by Guangdong Going-Out enterprises in promoting economic development, employment, poverty eradication, income enhancement, and environmental protection in the Silk Road countries and regions are evaluated in the report. There is an emphasis on active participation in globalization based on Guangdong's solid marine economy.

Meanwhile, Zhuhai's economic and social contributions to countries and regions along the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road are being publicized around the globe by mainstream media including Reuters, Tass, and Xinhua.

Through increased international communication, an accurate and full image of the new China can be shown around the world, according to the organizing committee.

The forum, with a theme of "Cooperation, Communication & Value," is sponsored by the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and the Zhuhai government. It is using policy discussions to promote wider-ranging connections in science and technology, culture, trade, finance, and infrastructure between Guangdong and Silk Road countries and regions.

The main forum is being held in conjunction with parallel seminars on Cooperation & Dialogue Between Chinese & Foreign Media, the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Reshapes the New Pattern of Trade, and Life Science Research Contributions to the Silk Road With a Focus on Health.

A Belt & Road Outcomes Exhibition casts a spotlight on the most outstanding Guangdong businesses including Yinlong New Energy of Zhuhai and Guangzhou Wanglaoji Pharmaceutical. Highly interactive technology brings visitors into those and other progressive demonstration booths.

Nearly a thousand national agency directors, officials from international organizations, representatives of renowned enterprises in Silk Road countries, prominent experts and academics, and senior media executives are attending the event.

Entrusted by Guangdong Party Chief Li Xi and Gov Ma Xingrui, Shen Haixiong, a member of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial CPC Committee and director the Publicity Department, delivered a speech during the opening ceremony.