The Round Table Forum for Diplomats of Asian Embassies in China was held on September 18, 2017 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beijing. The discussion forum was jointly hosted by China Overseas Development Association and Jiang Tai International Associates.

The forum intended to introduce three upcoming investment platforms - 9^th China Overseas Investment Fair (COIFAIR), China Enterprises Going Global Risk Conference, and the UTOU Unique Investment Services Platform - and to jointly explore ways of capitalizing on these upcoming events, as well as measures to boost outward investment of Chinese companies.

The Round Table Forum was attended by over thirty diplomats and representatives from Asian embassies and institutions. Officials from resident embassies’ diplomats included those from Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Thailand, and Turkey. Representatives from Saudi Aramco and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) also attended the forum.

Mr. Shen Kaitao, Chairman of Jiang Tai International Associates, kicked off the discussion forum by welcoming all guests and delegates. Mr. He Zhenwei, Secretary General of CODA, delivered a keynote speech afterwards in which he asserted the importance of outbound Chinese investment for regional economic prosperity and sustainability. He also expressed his strong support for bilateral business cooperation, by both the private and public sectors, with China as a means of renewed economic growth in the region. He ended his speech by introducing the 9^th COIFAIR and inviting the delegates to participate in the event, which will be held on Nov. 21^st - 22^nd at China National Convention Center in Beijing.

The subsequent interactive discussion was occupied by lively discussion between delegates and hosts, Mr. He Zhenwei and Shen Kaitao, who answered a few questions and concerns posed by representatives from embassies, particularly those from Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Thailand, and so on. Security threats to Chinese developers and legal obstacles in Asian countries, and solutions to these issues, were among the topics discussed. However, all delegates showed interest and appreciation for regional investment cooperation, welcoming COIFAIR as an important means of realizing the “Going Out” of Chinese companies and an important step in the success of the Belt and Road initiative.

At the end of discussion, all delegates expressed their thanks to the hosts and showed their enthusiasm to participate in the upcoming events in order to promote international economic cooperation.