The joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) leads China to develop higher-standard opening-up, promotes common development and prosperity of all countries, and contributes Chinese wisdom, solution and strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said on Wednesday.

Ding made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Summit 2023 via video, which opened in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Since the BRI was proposed 10 years ago, China has upheld the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and strived to achieve goals of high standard, sustainability and improvement of people's livelihood, yielding fruitful results in the joint construction of BRI, he said.

Ding added that the BRI has become a popular global public good and platform for cooperation.

The central government supports the HKSAR in maintaining its unique status and advantages in the long term, consolidating its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, maintaining a free, open and standardized business environment, and playing a more important role in the joint construction of the BRI, he said.

He expressed his hope that the HKSAR will deepen regional cooperation, expand its economic and trade network, and carry out closer exchanges and cooperation with the world.

The vice premier called for focusing on professional services, giving full play to talent advantages, and promoting the improvement of the "soft connectivity" of BRI's rules and standards.

Ding also urged efforts to deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges and promote bonds between people to consolidate the foundation of public opinion on the joint construction of the BRI.

Organized by the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the summit attracted over 6,000 attendees from all over the world and more than 100 delegations, and is expected to see 20 cooperation memorandums signed.

(Cover: The Belt and Road Summit 2023 opens in south China's Hong Kong, September 13, 2023. /CFP)