1. We, President Xi Jinping of the People’s  Republic  of China, President Mauricio Macri of  the Republic  of Argentina, President Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus, President Michelle Bachelet Jeriaof the Republic of Chile, President Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic, President Joko Widodo of the Republicof Indonesia, President Nursultan Nazarbayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan, President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya, President Almazbek Atambayev of the Kyrgyz Republic, President Bounnhang Vorachith of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of the Republic of the Philippines, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, President Doris Leuthard of the Swiss Confederation, President RecepTayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Turkey, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan, President Tran  Dai Quang of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Prime Minister Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama of the Republic of Fiji, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras of the Hellenic Republic, PrimeMinister Orbán Viktor of Hungary, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni of the Italian Republic, Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia, Prime Minister Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat  of Mongolia, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi of  the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Prime Minister Beata Szydło of the Republic of Poland,PrimeMinisterandPresident-electAleksandarVučić of the Republic of Serbia, President of the Government Mariano Rajoy Brey of the Kingdom of Spain, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, attended the Leaders Roundtable of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on 15 May 2017 in Beijing. We also welcome the participation of Secretary General Antonio Guterres of the United Nations, President Jim Yong Kim of the World Bank Group, Managing Director Christine Lagarde of the International Monetary Fund. The Leaders Roundtable was chaired by President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China.

General Context

2. We are mindful that the world economy is undergoing profound changes, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This is an era of opportunity, where countries continue to aspire for peace, development and cooperation. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with the set of Sustainable Development Goals at its core provides a new blueprint of international cooperation.

3. In this context, we welcome bilateral, triangular, regional and multilateral cooperation where countries place emphasis on eradicating poverty, creating jobs, addressing the consequences of international financial crises, promoting sustainable development, and advancing market-based industrial transformation and economic diversification. We note with appreciation that various development strategies and connectivity cooperation initiatives have been put forward, providing broad space for strengthening international cooperation.

4. We further recognize the challenges that the world economy faces. While it is currently experiencing modest recovery, downside risks remain. The growth of global trade and investment remains tempered, and the rules- based multilateral trading regime is yet to be strengthened. All countries, especially developing ones, still face common challenges of eradicating poverty, promoting inclusive and sustained economic growth, and achieving sustainable development.

5. Noting that the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (The Belt and Road Initiative) can create opportunities amidst challenges and changes, we welcome and support the Belt and Road Initiative to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe, which is also open to other regions such as Africa and South America. By providing important opportunities for countries to deepen cooperation, it has achieved positive outcomes and has future potential to deliver more benefits as an important international initiative.

6. We also emphasize the opportunities which can be created by communication and coordination among other global, regional and national frameworks and initiatives for promoting cooperation in connectivity and sustainable development, such as 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Addis Ababa Action Agenda, Agenda 2063 of the African Union, Ancient Civilizations Forum, APEC Connectivity Blueprint, ASEAN Community Vision 2025, Asia-Europe Meeting and its group on path-finder of connectivity, Caravanserai Customs Initiative, China and Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation, China- Europe Land-Sea Express Route, East-West Middle Corridor Initiative, EU-China Connectivity Platform, EU Eastern Partnership, Eurasian partnership based on the  principles of equality, openness and transparency, Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America, Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, Main Directions for Economic Development of the Eurasian EconomicUnion until 2030, Paris Agreement on Climate Change, Trans-European Transport Networks, Western Balkans 6 Connectivity Agenda, WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

7. We reaffirm our shared commitment to build open economy, ensure free and inclusive trade, oppose all forms of protectionism including in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. We endeavor to promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system with WTO at itscore.

Cooperation Objectives

8. We stand for enhancing international cooperation including the Belt and Road Initiative and various development strategies, by building closer collaboration partnerships, which include advancing North-South, South- South, and triangular cooperation.

9. We reiterate the importance of expanding economic growth, trade and investment based on level-playing field, on market rules and on universally recognized international nor ms. We welcome the promotion of industrial cooperation, scientific and technological innovation, and regional economic cooperation and integration so as  to increase, inter alia, the integration and participation  of micro, small and medium enterprises in global value chains. Attention should be paid to tax and fiscal policies, prioritizing growth and productive investment.

10. We stand for strengthening physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity among all countries. The least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing states and middle-income countries deserve special attention to remove bottlenecks of development and achieve effective connectivity.

11. We endeavor to expand people-to-people exchanges, promote peace, justice, social cohesion, inclusiveness, democracy, good governance, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and women empowerment; work together to fight against corruption and bribery in all their forms; to be more responsive to all the needs of those in vulnerable situations such as children, persons with disabilities and older persons; and help improve global economic governance, and ensure equal access by all to development opportunities andbenefits.

12. We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through taking urgent action on climate change and encouraging all parties which have ratified it to fully implement the Paris Agreement, managing the natural resources in an equitable and sustainable manner, conserving and sustainably using oceans and seas, freshwater resources, as well as forests, mountains and drylands, protecting biodiversity, ecosystems and wildlife, combating desertification and land degradation so as to achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions  in a balanced and integrated manner.

13. We encourage the involvement of governments, international and regional organizations, the private sector, civil society and citizens in fostering and promoting friendship, mutual understanding andtrust.

Cooperation Principles

14. We uphold the spirit of peace, cooperation, openness, transparency, inclusiveness, equality, mutual learning,mutualbenefitandmutualrespectbystrengthening cooperation on the basis of extensive consultation and the rule of law, joint efforts, shared benefits and equal opportunities for all. In this context we highlight the following principles guiding our cooperation, in accordance with our respective national laws and policies:

a) Consultation on an equal footing: Honoring the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law including respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries; formulating cooperation plans and advancing cooperation projects through consultation.

b) Mutual benefit: Seeking convergence of interests and the broadest common ground for cooperation, taking into account the perspectives of different stakeholders.

c) Harmony and inclusiveness: Acknowledging the natural and cultural diversity of the world and recognizing that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to sustainable development.

d) Market-based operation: Recognizing the role of the market and that of business as key players, while ensuring that the government performs its proper role and highlighting the importance of open, transparent, and non-discriminatory procurement procedures.

e) Balance and sustainability: Emphasizing the importance of economic, social, fiscal, financial andenvironmental sustainability of projects, and of promoting high environmental standards, while striking  a good balance among economic growth, social progress and environmental protection.

Cooperation measures

15. We affirm the need to prioritize policy consultation, trade promotion, infrastructure connectivity, financial cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and we highlight concrete actions, in accordance with our national laws and regulations and international obligations where applicable, suchas:

a) Pursuing dialogue and consultation in order tobuild synergies in development strategies among participating countries, noting the efforts to strengthen cooperation in coordinating development of the Belt and Road Initiative with other plans and initiatives as mentioned in Paragraph 6 and to promote partnerships among Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and otherregions.

b) Conducting in-depth consultation onmacroeconomic issues by optimizing the existing multilateral and bilateral cooperation and dialogue mechanisms, so as to provide robust policy support for practical cooperation and the implementation of  major projects.

c) Strengthening cooperation on innovation, by supporting innovation action plans for e-commerce, digital economy, smart cities and science and technology parks, and by encouraging greater exchanges on innovation and business startup models in the Internet age in respect of  intellectual property rights.

d) Promoting practical cooperation on roads, railways, ports, maritime and inland water transport, aviation, energy pipelines, electricity, fiber optic including trans- oceanic cable, telecommunications and information and communication technology, and welcoming the development of interconnected multimodal corridors, such as a new Eurasian Land Bridge, Northern Sea Route, and the East-West Middle Corridor, and major trunk lines to put in place an international infrastructure network overtime.

e) Maximizing synergies in infrastructure planning and development by taking into account international standards where applicable, and by aiming at harmonizing rules and technological standards when necessary; fostering a favorable environment and predictability for infrastructure investment by private capital; promoting public-private partnership in areas that create more jobs and generate greater efficiency; welcoming international financial institutions to increase support and investment for infrastructure development.

f) Deepening economic and trade cooperation; upholding the authority and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system, and working together to achieve positive outcomes at the 11th WTO ministerial conference; promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation; enabling the general public to benefit fromtrade.

g) Expanding trade by nurturing new areas of trade growth, promoting trade balance and promoting e-commerce and digital economy, welcoming the development of free trade areas and signing of free trade agreements by interested countries.

h) Advancing global value chains development and supply chain connectivity, while ensuring safer workplaces and strengthening social protection systems; increasing two-way investment, and enhancing cooperation in emerging industries, trade and industrial parks and cross- border economic zones.

i) Enhancing cooperation in ensuring the protection of the environment, of bio-diversity and of natural resources, in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change,inpromotingresilienceanddisaster-riskreduction and management, and in advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency.

j) Regarding the process of customs clearance, strengthening cooperation on information exchange and on developing mutual recognition of control, mutual assistance of enforcement, and mutual sharing of information; enhancing customs cooperation with a view to facilitating trade including by harmonizing procedures and reducing costs, and in this regard, strengthening cooperation in protecting intellectual property rights.

k) Jointly working on a long-term, stable and sustainable financing system; enhancing financial infrastructure connectivity, by exploring new models and platforms of investment and financing and improving financial services; assessing the opportunity to betterserve local financial market; and encouraging development-oriented financial institutions to play an active role and strengthen cooperation with multilateral development institutions.

l) Contributing to a stable and equitable international financial system; promoting openness and connectivity among financial markets, including through mutual cooperation on payment systems and the promotion of financial inclusion; encouraging financial institutions to establish commercial presence in relevant countries and regions; promoting bilateral local currency settlement and cooperation agreements, and facilitating the development of local currency bonds and stock markets; encouraging dialogues to enhance financial cooperation and fendoff financial risks.

m) Promoting people-to-people exchanges and bonds by deepening practical cooperation on education, science, technology, sport, health, think-tank, media, capacity building including throughinternships.

n) Encouraging dialogues among civilizations, cultural exchanges, promoting tourism and protecting the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

Our Vision for the Future

16. Our joint endeavor on the Belt and Road Initiative and seeking complementarities with other connectivity initiatives provide new opportunities and impetus for international cooperation. It helps to work for a globalization that is open, inclusive and beneficial toall.

17. We reiterate that promoting peace, mutually- beneficial cooperation, and honoring the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law are our shared responsibilities; achieving inclusive and sustainable growth and development, and improving people’s quality of life are our common goals; creating a prosperous and peaceful community with shared future for mankind is our commonaspiration.

18. We congratulate China on successfully hosting the Belt and Road Forum for InternationalCooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency, May 15, 2017)

In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the important cooperation initiative of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.  To date, steady progress and fruitful results have beenachieved in the implementation of the Initiative. The international community has welcomed the Initiative and its positive impact. China hosted the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing on  14- 15 May 2017. The BRF is a major international event for countries and parties concerned to engage in consultation on building the Belt and Road and sharing the benefits.   It is also an important platform for the participating parties to strengthen cooperation and synergize their development strategies. Before and during the BRF, national governments, local authorities and enterprises reached a number of cooperation agreements, policy measures and practical results. The Chinese side has put together a list of major deliverables of the BRF, which includes 76 items comprising more than 270 concrete results in five key areas, namely policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to- people connectivity.

i. Synergize Connectivity of Development Policies and Strategies

1. The Chinese government signed memoranda of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation with the governments of Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Timor- Leste, Singapore, Myanmar and Malaysia.

2. The Chinese government signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the United Nations HumanSettlements Programme, the United Nations International Children’s Fund, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the World Health Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the International Criminal Police Organization.

3. The Chinese government signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Jointly Formulating China-Hungary Cooperation Plan with the government of Hungary, and signed bilateral cooperation plans to jointly build the Belt and Road with the governments of the Lao PDR and Cambodia.

4. The relevant departments of the Chinese government signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, theWorld Economic Forum, the International Road Transport Union, the International Trade Center, the International Telecommunication Union, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the International Development Law Organization, theWorld Meteorological Organization and the International Maritime Organization.

5. The National Development and Reform Commission of China signed the 2017-2019 Plan on Key Areas of Cooperation Between China and Greece with the Ministry of Economic Development of Greece.

6. The National Development and Reform Commission of China signed the Memorandum of Understanding to Jointly Coordinate and Promote Cooperation and Project Implementation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.

7. The Ministry of Finance of China endorsed the Guiding Principles on Financing the Development of the Belt and Road with the ministries of finance of relevant countries.

8. The relevant departments of the Chinese government issued the following documents: Building the Belt andRoad: Concept, Practice and China’s Contribution, Vision and Actions on Promoting Energy Cooperation on the Beltand Road, Vision and Actions on Jointly Promoting Agricultural Cooperation on the Belt and Road, Guidance on Promoting Green Belt and Road and Vision for Maritime Cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative.

9. The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held regularly, and an Advisory Council and a Liaison Office will be set up.

10. The National Development and Reform Commission of China will establish the Facilitating Center for Building the Belt and Road. The National Development and Reform Commission of China has launched the official Belt and Road portal on the Internet and the Marine Silk Road Trade Index.

ii. Deepen Project Cooperation for Infrastructure Connectivity

1. The Chinese government signed the agreements on international transportation and strategy coordination with the governments of Uzbekistan, Turkey and Belarus.

2. The Chinese government signed the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy with the government of Thailand.

3. The Chinese government signed the Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Water Resources with the government of Malaysia.

4. The National Development and Reform Commission of  China  signed the  Memorandum of Understanding on Implementation of Up-Gradation of ML-1 and Establishment of Havelian Dry Port under CPEC with the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform ofPakistan. The National Railway Administration of China signed the Framework Agreement on Implementation of Up-Gradation of ML-1 and Establishment of Havelian Dry Port in Pakistan with the Ministry of Railways of Pakistan.

5. The Ministry of Commerce of China signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation in the Field of Infrastructure with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Cambodia.

6. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Information Technology with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Afghanistan.

7. The Ministry of Transport of China signed the memoranda of understanding on transport cooperation with the relevant government departments of Cambodia, Pakistan and Myanmar.

8. The Ministry of Water Resources of China signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Water with the Ministry of the Environment of Poland.

9. The National Energy Administration of China signed the Energy Cooperation Roadmap with the Swiss Federal  Office of  Energy of  the Federal  Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication of Switzerland, the Memorandum of Understanding on Roadmap for Studies of Diamer Basha Dam Project and the Hydropower Planning in North Pakistan and Agreement on the Adjustment of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Energy Project List with the Ministry of Water and Powerof Pakistan.

10. The State Oceanic Administration of China signed the Protocol on Establishment of Joint Ocean Observation Station with the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia.

11. CHINA RAILWAY signed the Agreement for Further Cooperation on China-Europe Container Block Trains among Railways of China, Belarus, Germany, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Poland and Russia with railway companies of relevant countries.

12. The China Development Bank signed the Key Financing Documents on Indonesian Jakarta to Bandung High-Speed Railway Project with PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia, and financing cooperation agreements on port, electricity and industrial park with relevant institutions of  Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Lao PDR and Egypt.

13. The Export-Import Bank of China signed the loan agreements on the modernization and reconstruction of Hungarian-Serbian Railway Line for Belgrade Center-Stara Pazova Section with the Ministry of Finance of Serbia, on road projects with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia, the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia and JSC “KazAutoZhol” of Kazakhstan, on urban railway line project with the Ministry of Finance of  Viet Nam,on telecommunication project with Telekom Srbija of Serbia, on bridge project with the Ministry of Finance of Mongolia, on airport development project with Yangon Aerodrome Company of Myanmar, and on inland container depot project with the National Treasury of Kenya.

14. The Global Energy Internet Development Cooperation Organization signed the memoranda of understanding on energy cooperation with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations, the League of Arab States, AU and the Interconnection Power Grid Authority of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

iii. Expandindustrial Investment,Enhance Trade Connectivity

1. The Chinese government signed the economic and trade cooperation agreements with the governments of 30 countries, namely, Pakistan, Viet Nam, Cambodia, the Lao PDR, the Philippines, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Mongolia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Fiji, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Afghanistan, Albania, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Syria, Tajikistan, Nepal and Serbia.

2. The Chinese government signed the China-Georgia Free Trade Agreement with the government of Georgia.

3. The Chinese government signed the Framework Agreement for the Promoting of Investment and Economic Cooperation with the government of Sri Lanka.

4. The Chinese government signed the Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matterswith the government of Afghanistan.

5. The Ministry of Commerce of China and the relevant agencies of more than 60 countries and international organizations jointly issued the Initiative on Promoting Unimpeded Trade Cooperation along the Belt and Road.

6. The Ministry of Commerce of China signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Concluding the Joint Feasibility Study of the China-Moldova Free Trade Agreement with the Ministry of Economy of Moldova and the Memorandum of Understanding on Launching the Joint Feasibility Study of China-Mongolia Free Trade Agreement with the Ministry of  Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.

7. The Ministry of Commerce of China signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Construction of Cross- Border Economic Cooperation Zones with the Ministryof Industry of Nepal, and signed the Memorandum ofUnderstanding on the Establishment of China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone with the Ministry of Commerce of Myanmar.

8. The Ministry of  Commerce of  China signed the Outline of the Medium and Long-Term Development Plan for Investment, Economic and Technological Cooperation with the Ministry of Development Strategy and International Trade of Sri Lanka, the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, the Cooperation Plan on Promoting SME Development with the Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan, the memoranda of understanding concerning SME cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Electronic Commerce with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam.

9. The National Development and Reform Commission of China signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting the Major Projects under Industrial Capacity and Investment Cooperation with the Ministry of Economy  of Kyrgyzstan, and signed the Framework Agreement on Enhancing Industrial Capacity and Investment Cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of the UAE.

10. The Ministry of Agriculture of China signed the Memorandum on Determining the Action Plan on Agricultural Trade and Investment with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection of Serbia, the Strategic Action Plan on Agricultural Cooperation with the Ministry of  Agro-Industry of  Argentina, the Five-Year Plan on Improving the Level of Agricultural Cooperation (2017-2021) with the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile and the Three-Year Action Plan on Agricultural Cooperation (2018-2020) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt.

11. The General Administration of Customs of China signed customs cooperation documents with the customs authorities of Kazakhstan, the Netherlands and Poland to deepen cooperation on mutual exchange of information, mutual recognition of inspection results and mutual assistance in lawenforcement.

12. The General Administration of Customs of China signed a cooperation document with the International Road Transport Union to promote construction of international logistics corridors and implementation of the Convention on International Transport of Goods Under Cover of TIR Carnets.

13. The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China signed cooperation agreements on inspection and quarantine with the relevant departments of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Norway, Ireland, Serbia, the Netherlands, Argentina, Chile, and Tanzania, signed cooperation agreements in the field of NQI (National Quality Infrastructure, including standard, metrology, certification and accreditation) with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the relevant  government departments of Ukraine and Azerbaijan, and signed the Joint Initiative on Strengthening Standards Cooperation and Building the Belt and Road with the relevant agencies  of Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Greece, Switzerland, Turkey and other countries.

14. The Export-Import Bank of China signed loan agreements on industrial park projects, projects of power transmission and distribution, wind power project, water projects, dam project, satellite project, hydraulic factoryprojects with the relevant government departments of Belarus, Cambodia, Ethiopia, the Lao PDR, Kenya, Mongolia and Pakistan, loan agreements on power grid upgrading project, thermal power project, coal mine modernization project, tyre factory project, with relevant companies of Egypt, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan and SaudiArabia, and signed the Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement regarding Lines of Credit with the Philippine Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company.

15. The China Development Bank signed financing cooperation agreements on chemical, metallurgical and petrochemical industries with relevant institutions of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

16. The China International Import Expo will be held from2018.

iV.Enhance Financial Cooperation,Promote Financial Connectivity

1. The Silk Road Fund will expand by RMB100billion.

2. China encourages financial institutions to conduct Overseas Fund Business in RMB with the estimatedamount of about RMB300 billion, providing financing support for the Belt and RoadInitiative.

3. The National Development and Reform Commission of China will set up the China-Russia Regional Cooperation Development Investment Fund, with a total scale of RMB100 billion and the initial scale of  RMB10 billion  to promote cooperation between China’s Northeast andRussia’s Far East.

4. The Ministry of Finance of China signed the memoranda of understanding on collaboration on matters of common interest under the Belt and Road Initiative with the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the New Development Bank and the World Bank Group.

5. The Ministry of Finance of China will establish the Multilateral Development Finance Cooperation Center together with the multilateral development banks.

6. The China-Kazakhstan Production Capacity Cooperation Fund came into operation, and the framework agreement of cooperation was signed regarding full support of  Chinese telecom companies’ participation in the“Digital Kazakhstan 2020” Program.

7. The Silk Road Fund and the Interbank Association  of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization agreed on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Basis of Partnership. The Silk Road Fund and the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of Uzbekistan signed the cooperationagreement.

8. The China Development Bank will set up the Belt and Road Multi-currency Special Lending Scheme for Infrastructure Development (RMB100 billion equivalent), the Belt and Road Multi-currency Special Lending Scheme for Industrial Cooperation (RMB100 billion equivalent), and the Belt and Road Multi-currency Special Credit Lines for Overseas Financial Institutions (RMB50 billionequivalent).

9. The Export-Import Bank of China will set up the Belt and Road Multi-currency Special Lending Scheme (RMB100 billion equivalent) and the Belt and Road Multi- currency Special Lending Scheme for Infrastructure Development (RMB30 billionequivalent).

10. The China Development Bank signed Subscription Agreement for the Sino-French SME Fund II with Bpifrance, and signed Memorandum of Understanding on Sino-Italian Co-Investment Fund with Cassa Depositi   e Prestiti, and conducts financing and bond underwriting cooperation with the Tejarat Bank of  Iran, Banque Misr  of Egypt, Hungarian Development Bank, Metrobank of the Philippines, Ziraat Bank of  Turkey,  Raiffeisen Bank International of Austria, Canadia Bank of Cambodia, and Maybank of Malaysia.

11. The Export-Import Bank of China signed framework agreements regarding lines of credit with Export-Import Bank of Malaysia, Export-Import Bank of Thailand and other Asian EXIM Bank Forum members, and will conduct practical cooperation in areas of on-lending and trade finance.

12. China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation signed cooperation agreements with the export credit agencies in Belarus, Serbia, Poland, Sri Lanka and Egypt, signed framework agreements with the relevant government departments, including the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation of Egypt, the Ministry of Finance of the Lao PDR, the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia, the Investment Coordinating Board of Indonesia, Polish Investment and Trade Agency, National Treasury of Kenya, the Central Bank of Iran and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of Iran, and signed framework agreements with financial institutions, including the Saudi Fund for Development, Isbank and Garanti Bank in Turkey, and the United Bank inPakistan.

13. The People’s Bank of China and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will jointly set up “the IMF-China Capacity Building Center” to provide training to the countries along the Belt andRoad.

14. The Export-Import Bank of  China and the  United

Nations Industrial Development Organization signed a joint declaration on enhancing cooperation on sustainable industrial development in the countries along the Belt and Road.

15. The Asian Financial Cooperation Association has been officiallyestablished.

16. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and major commercial banks in Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Austria and other countries along the Belt and Road will jointly launch the Belt and Road Action Plan for Banking Cooperation, and establish a regular cooperation and exchange mechanism for banks along the Belt andRoad.

V. Invest More in People’s Livelihood, Deepen People-to-People  Exchange

1. The Chinese government will increase its assistance  to the developing countries along the Belt and Road. The total assistance over the next three years will be no less than RMB60 billion.

2. The Chinese government will provide RMB2 billion emergency food aid to the the countries along the Belt and Road. China will provide replenishment of US billion to theSouth-SouthCooperationAssistanceFundtoinitiatethe “China and United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Cooperation Initiative,” and to support the implementation of 100 Happy Home Projects, 100 Anti-Poverty Projects, 100 Health Recovery Projects  and other projects in the relevant countries. China will provide relevant international organizations with US billion to jointly promote the implementation of international cooperation projects benefiting the countries on the Belt and Road, including 100 Refugee Assistance Projects covering food, tents, portable houses, etc., setting up “Refugee Scholarships,” providing 500 refugee youngsters with education opportunities and financial support to 100 refugee athletes to participate in regional or international games.

3. The Chinese government signed the Executive Program of Cultural Agreement for the Years 2017-2020 with the government of Lebanon, and the Agreement on the Reciprocal Establishment of Cultural Centers with the government of Tunisia, and the Agreement on the Reciprocal Establishment of Cultural Centers with the government of Turkey.

4. The Chinese government signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation (2017-2020) with theUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

5. The Chinese government signed the Governmental Tourism Cooperation Agreement with the government of Poland.

6. The Chinese government proposes to launch the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan, including the Science and Technology People- to-People Exchange Initiative, the Joint  Laboratory Initiative, the Science Park Cooperation Initiative and the Technology Transfer Initiative.

7. The Chinese government signed assistance agreements with the United Nations World Food Programme, the United Nations International Organization for Migration, the United Nations International Children’s Fund, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the World Health Organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the World Trade Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the International Trade Centre, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

8. The Ministry of Education of China signed agreements on education cooperation with the relevant departments of Russia, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia and Laos, signed the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications and Degrees with Cyprus and established a music educationalliance with the countries along the Belt and Road.

9. The Ministry of Science and Technology of China signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Young Scientist Exchange with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and  Sport of  Mongolia, the  Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation for the Establishment of Science Park and Innovation  Infrastructure Development in Mongolia with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sport of Mongolia, and the Memorandumof Understanding on Joint Funding to Research and Development Projects with the National Research, Development and Innovation Office of Hungary.

10. The Ministry of Environmental Protection of China issued the Belt and Road Ecological and Environmental Cooperation Plan, established the Big Data Service Platform on Ecological and Environmental Protection, and announced the Joint Initiative to Establish the International Coalition for Green Development on the Belt and Road with the United Nations Environment Programme.

11. The Ministry of Finance of China will establish the Research Center for the Belt and Road Financial and Economic Development.

12. The National Health and Family Planning Commission of China signed health cooperation agreements with the health authorities of the Czech Republic and Norway.

13. The National Tourism Administration of China signed tourism cooperation agreement with the National Tourism Development Committee of Uzbekistan, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Furthering Tourism Cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism of Chile, and signed the Implementation Plan for Memorandum  of  Understanding onTourism Cooperation with Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia.

14. The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of China signed cooperation documents with Radio and Television Supreme Council of Turkey and the General Commission of Audiovisual Media of Saudi Arabia. China Central Television will set up the “Belt and Road News Alliance” with mainstream media of relevant countries.

15. The State Council Information Office of China signed the memoranda of understanding on media cooperation exchanges with the Ministry of Information of Cambodia, the Department of Information of Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, the National Media Council of the UAE, the Ministry of Information of Palestine and the Department of Communication and Relations with Citizens in the Council of Ministers of Albania.

16. The State Council Information Office of China signed the memoranda of understanding on plans topromote think tank cooperation with the Ministry  of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of of Palestine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania.

17. The China Development Bank will set up the Experience Sharing and  Capacity Building Cooperation Program for Belt and Road Partners, and the Belt and Road Scholarship.

18. China NGO Network for International Exchanges and over 80 Chinese NGOs jointly launched the Chinese Social Organizations’ Action Plan for Stronger People-to- People Connectivity along the Belt and Road (2017-2020). China NGO Network for International Exchanges and over 150 civil organizations jointly set up the Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network. Silk Road Think Tank Association (SRTA) launched the International Think Tank Cooperation Program on Enhancing People-to-People Connectivity along the Belt and Road.

19. The Development Research Center of the State Council of China signed the Memorandum of  Understanding on Cooperation Jointly Building the Belt and Road Initiative with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The Silk Road Think Tank Network (SiLKS), with over 50 international members and partners, released the Silk Road Think Tank Network Declaration on Joint Action.

20. The China International Cities Development Alliance signed Letter of Intent on Urban Development Cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, the World Health Organization and United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific.

(Xinhua News Agency, May 15, 2017)