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Mr Alex Wong Spoke on “Opportunities for Hong Kong Youth under BRI”

2022-11-08

On 8 November upon Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Sha Tin)’s invitation, Mr Alex Wong, CEO of MSRS gave an online presentation titled

“Opportunities and Challenges for Hong Kong Youth under the Belt and Road Initiative” to students who are interested in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

To strengthen students’ understanding of BRI, Mr Wong explained the background of BRI, including key routes, layouts, framework ideas, and priorities for cooperation. Mr Wong mentioned that the reason for China's Belt and Road Initiative is that China needs to explore new markets to avoid the “middle income trap” as its manufacturing costs rise while its markets saturated. In addition, Mr Wong elaborated that the purpose of the Belt and Road Initiative is to assist Central Asian countries that have resources but have limited infrastructure to export them. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank also finances these countries at low interest rate, so that they can develop smoothly.

Mr Wong also elaborated on two important achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years. The China Railway Express and the Polar Silk Road. Mr Wong first introduced the characteristics and routes of the China Railway Express, how the Express assisted the development of China's inland areas and its advantages. Mr Wong also introduced the origin of the concept of the Polar Silk Road and its route.

In addition, Mr Wong introduced the countries that are cooperating with the Belt and Road Initiative. Indonesia and China are working together to build a direct railway link from Jakarta to Bandung. China and Pakistan are also building a China-Pakistan railway which is of great strategic value to China as it will provide land transport route alternative directly to Middle East.

Mr Wong pointed out that young people should take advantage of Hong Kong's unique advantages and seize the opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative. He also introduced how young people can equip themselves for the future endeavors. Last but not least, Mr Wong encouraged teenagers to maintain a positive attitude and adjust their mentality in resolving difficulties when they encounter challenges. Young people should not only focus on Europe and the United States but should set their sights far beyond, to grasp the huge opportunities in Southeast Asia or Central Asia.

In the Q&A session, students asked about the BRI employment information and the prospect of BRI. Mr Wong added that Belt and Road projects need to take a long-term view of their achievements as the main purpose of the BRI is also to assist developing countries.

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