Closing Ceremony of Seminar on Policy-based Finance and Sustainable Development of MSMEs for Belt and Road Countries

On the afternoon of July 27, the closing ceremony for Seminar on Policy-based Finance and Sustainable Development of MSMEs for Belt and Road Countries, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and organized by the Shanghai National Accounting Institute (SNAI), was held. Zhang Hailong, Deputy Director-General of the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) under the Ministry of Commerce, SNAI Party Secretary Zhang Feng, and SNAI Vice President Zhang Gexing attended the ceremony.

A recap video at the start of the ceremony allowed participants to relive the highlights of the past week. The program featured systematic interpretations of China's national context and the Belt and Road Initiative, practical sharing on fiscal system reform, analysis of MSME development ecosystems, and insights into China's fiscal and financial policies supporting MSMEs. Field studies to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Yangtze River Delta G60 Sci-Tech Innovation Corridor, Suzhou Industrial Park, and Qingpu's Lianhu Village provided a comprehensive and multi-dimensional understanding of China's socio-economic development and its policies and practices for supporting MSMEs.

Speaking on behalf of the host ministry, Zhang Hailong referenced the famous African proverb "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." He stated that China, as the world's largest developing country, is willing to share its development experiences and best practices with other developing countries based on mutual respect and trust, working together for steady and long-term progress. He emphasized that the program is not just a platform for learning and exchange but also the beginning of friendship and cooperation, affirming the Ministry's commitment to promoting experience sharing and practical cooperation with BRI countries through such programs.

Zhang Feng, on behalf of SNAI, congratulated all participants on their successful completion of the program. He noted that modernization is a common pursuit, and China's path to modernization offers valuable insights for other developing countries. He expressed his hope that participants would integrate their learnings with their national contexts, deepen friendship and cooperation for mutual benefit, and maintain contact with SNAI for future exchanges.

Mr. Kouassi Jerome BOA, Director of External Relations at the ECOWAS Commission, spoke as a participant representative. He highly praised the program's professional curriculum and meticulous organization, thanking the Chinese government and all involved. He stated the program demonstrates China's commitment to strengthening friendly cooperation with other developing countries through the BRI. He found the learning exchanges and field studies impressive and highly relevant, pledging to promote the application of China's experience in his country and region and looking forward to deepened cooperation.

Ms. Mathinda Xena Luhanga, Chief Auditor from the National Audit Office of Malawi and an alumna of SNAI's 2024 international student program, shared her special feelings about returning to SNAI. She said returning felt like "coming home," noting that SNAI's ethos of openness, innovation, and international cooperation has fostered both her professional growth and personal transformation. This program deepened her understanding of MSME development, and she urged fellow participants to apply the knowledge gained in their home countries.

At the end of the ceremony, Zhang Hailong and Zhang Feng jointly presented completion certificates to the participants and gifted them with symbolic Chinese tea. This gift carries the hope that participants will take the 'taste of China' back to their countries, letting the aroma of tea serve as a bond connecting hearts and offering a glimpse into an open and welcoming China.