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Mr Wong Kyin Pyu Spoke to the Law Society on "the Belt and Road"

2016-09-21

On 21 September, Mr Wong Kyin Pyu, Vice-President of Maritime Silk Road Society’s Executive Committee and Chairman of Hong Kong Myanmar Overseas Chinese Association, was invited to attend the 2016 Annual Conference of In-House Lawyers organized by The Law Society of Hong Kong. As a keynote speaker of “One Belt, One Road” session, Mr Wong shared his views with participants on Sino-Myanmar relations and the role of Hong Kong under “the Belt and Road Initiative”.

Mr Wong pointed out that "One Belt One Road" refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road. “Belt” refers to a vast area in Eurasia, and Road” stands for the sea route that links China’s coastal cities to Africa and the Mediterranean. Under the “the Belt and Road Initiative”, China is aiming to increase its global economic and strategic influence in Africa, Europe and Asia regions. Stretching across Eurasia and Africa, the high profile Belt and Road initiative stands out as a refreshing example of growth for manufacturers and producers in China heavy industries--that are grappling with the thorny issue of overcapacity at home. The infrastructure-hungry nations along the "One Belt One Road" route may generate enormous demand for industrial metals and energy. Mr Wong quoted that according to the ADB, for Asia alone, the region's infrastructure financing needs will reach an estimated USD 8.2 trillion or even more from 2010 to 2020 with about 4 trillion to 6 trillion in investment going to countries and regions covered by the Belt and Road Initiatives. As one of the key partners along with Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, Myanmar plays a vital role in facilitating the greater economy integration of China and the South-East Asia regions as a friendly neighbour to China.

Mr Wong noted that Hong Kong and Myanmar share the same background because both were previously under British colonial rule. In addition, Myanmar people are very fond of Chinese cultures, Chinese medicine and martial arts in particular. Mr Wong added that Myanmar people are very fond of Hong Kong Kung-Fu star Jackie Chan, who stars in heroic movies usually with themes of saving a national crisis, as his performance reminds them of their own national hero General Aung San who earned their independence from colonial rule by his selfless and heroic actions. Last but not least, Mr Wong concluded that through the promotion of cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Myanmar, and by adapting the "Chinese Medicine Port" concept that was once brought up by the HKSAR government to promote Sino-Myanmar cross border trading and explore new Export-import markets in Myanmar where medicine are of great shortage, it will help to ensure a stable and friendly Sino-Myanmar relations and thus enhance the benefits of “the Belt and Road Initiative”.

This discussion session also featured another speaker Mr Terence Yap, CEO of Guardforce Group, and moderator Mr Amirali Nasir, Vice-President of The Law Society of Hong Kong.

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