Our reporter Xia Cheng interviewed some participants before the CEO conference. Let's see what's special about this year's agenda.

It's the first CEO conference for China's Belt and Road Forum. Some 900 business leaders are coming to show their commitment to the initiative. They represent global fortune 500 companies and Chinese firms doing well overseas.

GEORGE ZHU, CHAIRMAN TRANSSION HOLDINGS "The Belt and Road marks a good time for Chinese companies to go global. Some of the emerging markets are still in the middle of industrialization. That also gives Chinese companies opportunities. Countries now are working on digitalization. Chinese companies have a solid foundation in telecoms and the internet, allowing them to test overseas markets."

XIA CHENG CGTN "Italy is set to be the first G7 country to join the Belt and Road Initiative. But that's mainly about infrastructure investment opportunities. As for the Digital Silk Road project, the list of members remains short and China continues working to try and get more power players on board. And it is critical to do so for the global digital governance."

What's holding investors back is a lack of trust in the Belt and Road. That includes concerns over debt, the environment and local economic impact. What's the best way to win the hearts of countries and big companies?

Xia Cheng, CGTN.