Baker Tilly Malaysia Delivers Keynote Speech at the Launch of the Belt and Road Studies Network in Beijing – Part of Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation

25th to 27th April, 2019 – The Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held in Beijing and saw the launch of many multiple cooperation mechanisms. Mr. Koh King Kee, Director of Baker Tilly Malaysia’s Belt and Road Initiative Desk, and the President of the Centre for New Inclusive Asia, was a keynote speaker at the launching of the Belt and Road Studies Network – a global alliance of think-tanks engaged in the research of the Belt and Road Initiative.

 

Mr. Koh delivered a keynote speech on behalf of fellow Chinese and foreign scholars and think-tanks: “The Belt and Road Initiative was implemented and carried out by China as a platform for global economic cooperation. It is inspired by China’s Ancient Silk Road but expands even further – improving peoples’ well-being all around the world through the linking of digital services, infrastructure, trade & investment, and financial connectivity. Without a doubt, it is an unprecedented endeavor of such scale in human history.”

 

“The success of the Belt and Road Initiative depends heavily on government support. However, academics and think tanks could certainly contribute useful inputs to governments on how they could best benefit from BRI. The establishment of the Belt and Road Studies Network is thus very pertinent and timely. As BRI enters adulthood, there is a need for a fresh international narrative in the language that is easily and clearly understood by the world so that its noble intent and objectives are not misreported or distorted,”

 

“BRI is China’s offer of public goods to the world by sharing its development, experiences, technologies, and resources as an emerging economic power. As the gradual completion of early projects near, now is the time for scholars, and think-tank researchers to contribute views and suggestions for the successful implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.”

 

President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message at the launching ceremony of the Belt and Road Studies Network. He highlighted that the development of nations, the prosperity of civilizations, and the progress of mankind cannot be done without the guidance of advanced ideas. The Belt and Road Initiative comes from China and belongs to the world.

 

Furthermore, with the joint cooperation and hard work of all parties, the Belt and Road Initiative has already succeeded in becoming an open and inclusive international platform with the support of many countries. Think-tanks are an important element in accomplishing this. Further developing the cooperation and exchange of ideas between think-tanks can thus help deepen mutual trust and build consensus – pushing the Belt and Road Initiative to even greater heights.

 

 

About Baker Tilly (Malaysia) 

 

Established in 1978, Baker Tilly is the 7th largest accounting and business firm in Malaysia and the 8th largest accounting and business firm advisory network in the Asia Pacific. We operate from our headquarters in Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur - with offices in Penang, Johor Bharu, Batu Pahat, Seremban, Labuan, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

 

With 50 partners and directors and over 800 professional staff, Baker Tilly provide high quality accountancy, business and financial advisory services to multinational corporations, organisations in the public sector, and smaller independent enterprises. We offer professional, meaningful advice that will add tangible value to businesses and help our clients achieve their goals.

 

As an independent member of Baker Tilly International, the tenth largest accountancy and business advisory network in the world with a combined income in excess of US$3.6 billion, we have access to the expertise of more than 34,700 high-calibre professionals across 145 countries.