The Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo (MSRE) kicked off in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province on Aug 23.

The event aims to forge Guangdong's international image as an elaborate implementer of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as promote Guangdong as an advantageous place for doing business. With five years of cultivation and growth, MSRE has gradually developed into an exhibition platform with greater influences for Belt and Road countries. From 2019 on, the venue for the event has moved from Dongguan to Guangzhou.

On the same day, the theme forum for the expo was held at Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center, with the participation of over 1,500 guests from across the world, including 10 overseas political VIPs, as well as provincial and ministerial officials.

The forum also initiated an academician forum, which centered on topics such as the construction of the International Science and Technology Innovation Center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the construction of the Belt and Road.

During the forum, GAC Group, Xpeng Motors, VR equipment maker Nined, and artificial intelligence company Pcitech displayed their services, technologies, and products, as well as shared highlights in the advanced manufacturing field and other emerging industries in the Greater Bay Area with guests.

In addition to the theme forum on Aug 23, six parallel sub-forums were held the next day, with attendees discussing topics regarding talents, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as the China-South Africa humanities exchange and business environment improvement.

The Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo Theme Forum is held at Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center on Aug 23. [Photo/Xinhua]