XIAMEN — A seminar on cooperation between countries along the Belt and Road (B&R) to tackle uncertainties in the world economy brought by COVID-19 was held on Oct 30 in the eastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

A total of 80 senior government officials, experts and corporate executives from 20 countries and regions attended the seminar which was held both online and offline.

Amid the global economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, B&R countries should attach more importance to fostering a free and convenient environment, developing the digital services trade and constructing trade platforms to promote global economic recovery, said Yi Bin, an official of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

"The seminar provides a platform for government officials, businesspeople and experts along the B&R to communicate with each other, and enhances mutual learning to further realize mutual trust and benefit," said J Satrijo Tanudjojo, CEO of Global Tanoto Foundation, via video link.

The seminar was part of a B&R talent development program launched in 2017 by the NDRC and the Tanoto Foundation.