Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-16 18:38:10|Editor: Song Lifang

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Representatives and guests attend the opening ceremony of the 14th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Covention at the Myanmar Covention Center (WCEC) in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 16, 2017. The 14th WCEC kicked off here on Saturday, gathering more than 2,000 overseas Chinese business leaders to discuss plan of business expansion. (Xinhua/U Aung)

YANGON, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- The 14th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) kicked off here on Saturday, gathering more than 2,000 overseas Chinese business leaders to discuss plans of business expansion.

Vice President of the China Overseas Exchange Association Xu Yousheng read out a congratulatory message from Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Myanmar, located along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, is linked with China by mountains and rivers, and has forged the "paukphaw" or brotherly friendship with China, Yu said in the message.

Under the theme of "An Opening Economy in Myanmar, A New Epoch in History," the four-day convention is hosted by the Myanmar Chinese Chamber of Commerce with Wu Jiyuan (U Myint Shwe) as general chair.

With strong support from the Myanmar government, the WCEC is aimed at pushing the regional economic development in line with the world's changing economy and bridging world's Chinese entrepreneurs for cooperation.

It is also set to make use of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative to jointly explore the future development trend and space of Chinese businessmen as well as the world and Myanmar's economy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Myanmar First Vice President U Myint Swe expressed delight at seeing the overseas Chinese entrepreneurs in Myanmar making linkages with business contacts in various countries around the world and contributing to the economic development of Myanmar.

Noting that Myanmar is participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, U Myint Swe said the strategic location of Myanmar will contribute to the success of the initiative.

The vice president welcomed investments in the country's special economic zones under implementation, while expecting extensive investments also in other industrial development sectors.

He believed that the opportunity for Myanmar to host the 14th WCEC will result not only in close friendly relations between Myanmar and China, but also bring numerous new opportunities for overseas Chinese entrepreneurs and business persons to expand their investments in Myanmar.

The WCEC will also create a good environment for the promotion of people-to-people contact and interaction between the peoples of Myanmar and China, he said, adding that through such interaction, mutual understanding and respect as well as friendship can be built up step by step for the establishment of a sustainable, economic and social community.

General Chair of the WCEC and Chairman of the Myanmar Chinese Chamber of Commerce Wu Jiyuan (U Myint Shwe) highlighted Myanmar's remarkable transformation in recent years, saying that the government has done a terrific job in boosting the country's economic growth, improving people's livelihood, rolling out policies, laws and regulations to advance the economic reform.

He believed that as these policies and regulations take effect, they will surely serve as a strong impetus for economic and social progress by increasing foreign investment and jobs to benefit people with economic growth and political stability.

He pledged to work with the Myanmar government in investment promotion for a number of sectors and incentivize Chinese investors from around the world in a bid to deliver tangible results through the convention.

Key note speeches were also delivered by Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), and other world-known leading Chinese entrepreneurs.

Following the opening ceremony were theme forums involving international noted experts and scholars, business celebrities and elites on economic and trade, Belt and Road Initiative, inheritance and innovation of younger generation of Chinese entrepreneurs as well as Myanmar investment climate and introduction on its latest investment law by the Myanmar Investment Commission.

Memorandums of understanding on economic and industrial cooperation, and contracts on implementation of projects are expected to be signed later on the day.

Donation for social assistance will also be made at the event, the organizer said.