Since the preparation for the establishment of the One Belt One Road Economic Friendship Association (OBOR) in 2014, we have been upholding the spirit of "Sharing the power of connectivity," striving for excellence, making vigorous progress, and now, we have stepped into our fifth year.

In these five years, the core leadership team of OBOR led by Chairman Charles Lu Huiming and all other board members have worked diligently, actively participating in various academic seminars, business engagement activities, and jointly organized the 2019 "One Belt One Road" banquet. They have made remarkable contributions to the association's development and the organization of various activities. At the same time, we have received strong support from governments, academia, business circles, and various sectors of society in China and ASEAN member countries. On behalf of the leadership and all members of the One Belt One Road Economic Friendship Association, I express heartfelt gratitude to all government leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, and friends from all walks of life!

The initial intention of establishing the One Belt One Road Economic Friendship Association (OBOR) was to provide robust support for Chinese enterprises to expand internationally ("go global"), better align with the "One Belt One Road" Initiative, vigorously promote Chinese enterprises' expansion internationally and domestically, steadily broadening their path to greater success.

In recent years, the Chinese government has formulated five significant plans, including the "One Belt One Road" initiative, promoting the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, establishing the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the integration plan of the Yangtze River Delta, and constructing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Among these, the "One Belt One Road" initiative is the sole foreign policy and has provided excellent opportunities to facilitate the international expansion of Chinese enterprises.

Since the 20th century, the world has been facing unprecedented changes. However, never before has any government had such a grand vision, nor has any government been so courageous in taking on the mission of human development and constructing a community with a shared future for mankind. We are fortunate to live in this great era and have the opportunity to participate in the great development of new era China! The "One Belt One Road" regional cooperation platform of "policy communication, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, financial integration, and people-to-people bonds" jointly created by all is not the solo performance of any single country, but a "grand chorus" united by the principles of consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits.

The joint signing of the vision document "ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together" by all ASEAN member countries has also indicated the development direction for the ASEAN community in the next ten years. The establishment of the "ASEAN Community" does not mean the completion of the ASEAN community-building process but signifies further deepening cooperation among ASEAN countries, mutual benefits, and the beginning of promoting the rise of Southeast Asia. ASEAN is one of the most diverse regional cooperation organizations globally, with its member countries differing in economic development levels, political systems, ethnicity, religion, and culture. However, we share a common goal — all ASEAN countries hope to seek common interests through the "ASEAN Community" to achieve better development for their own countries. This is not just about economic development but mutual benefit, common prosperity in various aspects, in line with China's proposed "One Belt One Road" initiative, reflecting the inevitable trend of "global economic integration" and the necessary path.

Friends, together we have passed through 2019 and stepped into 2020 side by side. We will face more challenges but also welcome many opportunities. Let us maintain an open and inclusive mindset, work together for mutual benefit, and jointly build a bridge connecting ASEAN countries and China. I sincerely hope that the "circle of friends" of the One Belt One Road Economic Friendship Association (OBOR) will grow larger and wider. The One Belt One Road Economic Friendship Association (OBOR) will undoubtedly become your most loyal partner. Guided by the "One Belt One Road" initiative and the "ASEAN Community," let us walk hand in hand, make joint efforts, construct a "community with a shared future for mankind," and move towards a brighter future together!

Sharing the power of connectivity!

One Belt One Road Economic Friendship Association
Secretary-General Chiew Guoping