President affirms nation's commitment to open markets at leaders' roundtable

China hopes to work jointly with other countries to build Belt and Road projects of high quality that benefit all sides and achieve common development, President Xi Jinping said on Saturday.

Xi made the remark on Saturday while presiding over the leaders' roundtable meeting during the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

Since the first leaders' roundtable two years ago, China and the other countries have pushed forward their connections in policy, infrastructure, trade, finance and people in all respects, Xi said, adding that the efforts have sparked new global economic growth.

By hosting the second forum, China expects to further implement BRI projects and bring more positive outcomes to people of all countries, Xi said.

He called on the countries to implement the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration. All countries should uphold the concepts of open, green and clean governance and strive for the goal of sustainable growth with high standards, Xi said.

The president said that economic growth, social development and environmental protection should be integrated in the process of jointly building the Belt and Road.

China expects to make joint efforts with all sides to boost interconnectivity in all respects, Xi said, adding that the countries should continue to focus on improving infrastructure.

He said the countries should strengthen cooperation in such areas as intelligent manufacturing and the digital economy and carry forward a strategy of innovation-driven development.

Xi called for joint efforts with other countries to open markets, facilitate trade and investment and enhance logistics. He proposed launching people-to-people exchanges with colorful activities.

The countries should strive for the comprehensive outcomes of infrastructure improvement, industrial coordination, economic development and the improvement of people's livelihoods, Xi said.

Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to promoting the building of an open global economy and opposing trade protectionism. Belt and Road projects should continue to be connected with the development strategies of other countries and international organizations, he said.

The president encouraged more countries and companies to take part in building the Belt and Road through all forms of cooperation, including bilateral and multilateral collaboration in pursuit of common interests.

He said the spirit of multilateralism should be upheld to push forward the institutional building of the Belt and Road and provide a solid guarantee of cooperation in all areas.