Business leaders and representatives from around the world called for stronger supply chain connectivity, deeper industrial cooperation and closer alignment of development strategies at the 2026 Belt and Road Trade and Investment Forum held Tuesday in Beijing.

The event took place as part of the ongoing Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), which runs from June 22-26 and is hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). 

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, speaks at the 2026 Belt and Road Trade and Investment Forum in Beijing, June 23, 2026. [Photo provide to China.org.cn]

Speaking at the forum, Ren Hongbin, chairman of the CCPIT, said the event aims to leverage the CISCE platform to enhance the impact of international exchanges and cooperation.

"By bringing together the global business community, international organizations and industry leaders, we hope to facilitate precise matching between industrial and supply chains among Belt and Road partner countries," Ren said.

He added that such efforts would help strengthen connectivity in infrastructure and rules and standards, and ultimately develop closer people-to-people bonds, injecting fresh momentum into high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Participants in the event said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is entering a new stage that places greater emphasis on innovation, industrial upgrading and sustainable development.

Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the BRI has now entered a new stage of high-quality development.

"South Asia stands ready to work hand in hand with China to transform the Belt and Road from a network of infrastructure into a community of innovation, industry and shared prosperity," he said.

He added that the next phase of cooperation should focus on industrial ecosystems, digital connectivity, skills development, innovation and people-to-people partnerships.

Echoing the need for deeper integration, Oudet Souvannavong, president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that supply chains should become a central pillar of the next phase of BRI development.

"The future BRI must therefore focus on supply chain connectivity, not simply transport connectivity," he said. "It must facilitate the movement not only of goods, but also of investment, technology, information, skills and innovation."

Several speakers also highlighted opportunities arising from the alignment of national development strategies.

Low Kian Chuan, chairman of the Malaysia-China Business Council, said that China's 15th Five-Year Plan period offers new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

"This year opens China's 15th Five-Year Plan and Malaysia sees in it a powerful echo of our own ambitions under the 13th Malaysia Plan and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030," he said. "As both nations turn this new page, we can grow together — not only faster, but smarter, cleaner and more inclusive."

John McLean, chair of the China UK Business Development Centre, sits for an interview with China.org.cn at the 2026 Belt and Road Trade and Investment Forum in Beijing, June 23, 2026. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Speaking with China.org.cn on the sidelines of the forum, John McLean, chair of the China UK Business Development Centre, also pointed to the growing synergies between China's long-term development agenda and the United Kingdom's industrial priorities.

"When we compare the United Kingdom's Modern Industrial Strategy with China's 15th Five-Year Plan, one conclusion becomes increasingly clear: our economies are more complementary than competitive," he said.

McLean said green energy, advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, biotechnology, life sciences, artificial intelligence and green finance are among the most promising areas for future bilateral cooperation.

The CISCE has been held annually since 2023. This year 's event covers six major chains of digital technology, advanced manufacturing, green agriculture, healthy life, smart vehicles and clean energy, along with a dedicated supply chain services exhibition area.