Economic Daily-China Economic Net Beijing, March 20 (Reporter Li Dandan Column) "The world today is an open world, a global village, and strengthening international exchanges and cooperation is more important. Countries along the Belt and Road Initiative have a long history and a long history, so they are more likely to accept the initiative and enjoy the 'Belt and Road Initiative' under the major policy and background of the Belt and Road Initiative, so I think it is very meaningful." Recently, Ren Qiliang, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former deputy director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, accepted an interview with the Economic Daily-China Economic Net reporter at the CPPCC's residence on topics such as the positive role played by overseas Chinese and overseas Chinese in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ren Qiliang, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former deputy director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council - Photo by Li Dandan, reporter of China Economic Network

Ren Qiliang said that the "Belt and Road" initiative has built a new platform for mutual communication, mutual benefit, cooperation and exchanges for countries along the route. This initiative connects the world and gives new connotations to the ancient Silk Road. From the current perspective, more and more countries are participating in it, and their participation is getting deeper and deeper, and their participation is getting wider and wider. It can be seen that this initiative is in line with the development needs of countries along the route and other countries in the world, and is in line with the aspirations and expectations of people and governments of all countries.

The Belt and Road Initiative proposes to innovate cooperation models and strengthen "policy communication, facilities connectivity, smooth trade, financial and social communication, and people-to-people communication." Ren Qiliang told reporters that the reason why he pays great attention to the construction of the "Belt and Road" is closely related to his work. "I have worked in the State Overseas Chinese Affairs Office for a long time and have close ties with overseas Chinese. These countries along the route are precisely countries with relatively concentrated distribution of Chinese and overseas Chinese, with a wide range of employment industries and fields, and are integrated into the local social level." He said that the exchanges between these countries and our country have a long history, and the areas of exchange are also very wide, not only in terms of economy, trade and culture, but also in tourism education and even intermarriage. "They have integrated into the local area, deeply participated in the local economic and social construction, and deeply integrated with the local culture, and have actually become one of the people in the local community."

In Ren Qiliang's view, the biggest feature of these Chinese and overseas Chinese is that they have rich political and economic connections overseas, and at the same time they are concerned about their hometown and have a kinship and cultural ties with the motherland, so they can build a bridge with the Chinese government and the people in the local area. "After the reform and opening up, these Chinese and overseas Chinese have a high economic participation in China, so it is easier for them to find the right entry point in the local economic field and discover good channels. Overseas Chinese and overseas Chinese can play a more important role in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. This is irreplaceable to others, and they have great advantages in this regard."

Ren Qiliang said that the "Belt and Road" initiative has brought great development opportunities for Chinese companies to "go global". However, in the process of "going out", enterprises often have problems of "not adapting to the local environment" due to differences in history, culture, law, taxation and business environment. "We often say that people are not accommodating the environment, and this is even more so for enterprises. If they are not accommodating the environment and development in the country, it may not be possible locally." Ren Qiliang believes that overseas Chinese, as a trustworthy and important resource, can provide important help to Chinese companies that "go global". "Because Chinese and overseas Chinese are all descendants of the Chinese nation, with cultural connectivity, blood ties, similar emotions, and a strong sense of national identity. When encountering problems, they can contact and understand them, and they can play a role in helping communicate and coordination."

"In addition, we must see the cultural connotation of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is not only an initiative of economic cooperation, but also a goal to better develop friendship between countries and countries, and people, and be able to understand and respect each other, integrate and promote each other's cultures, and present a diversified development trend." Ren Qiliang said.

When talking about how to tell the story of China in the new era to the world, Ren Qiliang believes that the most important carrier is overseas Chinese. "Because they live among the local people, they know what language and method to tell good Chinese stories, and they can tell them more vividly and convincingly. This will truly promote the Chinese culture to go global and take root in China's excellent traditional culture."

"Stories must be good at telling and telling them to the hearts of people. On the other hand, the demonstration role of overseas Chinese and overseas Chinese is very important. Chinese stories must not only be listened to, but also attract them to perceive them. In fact, when looking at China overseas, they understand from the media, from books, and from all aspects, but the most important thing is to look at the people around them. How to reflect China's excellent traditional culture and the excellent image of the Chinese people in themselves is crucial, because our Chinese and overseas Chinese are all endorsing China's image." Ren Qiliang said.

For more reports, please see "Preparing reform to the end - 2018 National Two Sessions Special Topic"