Yiwu, April 2019-Some have criticized the “One Belt – One Road” initiative, saying it will only benefit China. CGTN’s Xu Mengqi visited the city of Yiwu in East China’s Zhejiang Province, home to the world’s largest wholesale market for small goods. Xu Mengqi exchanged views with trade expert Marinella Fortino and international traders Ummar Bukhari and Sylla Cheickina on the BR initiative.
Entrepreneur Marinella Fortino interviewed live by CGTN.
UMMAR BUKHARI DISTRIBUTOR FROM PAKISTAN
“My name is Ummar Ali Bukhari, I am from Pakistan. I export different products from China to other countries.”
MARINELLA FORTINO DEALER FROM GERMANY
“My real name is Marinella. I come from Germany. And we export all over Europe.”
SYLLA CHEICKINA TRADER FROM WEST AFRICA
“I am Sylla from Africa. I have been doing business in China since 2001. Today I also brought my little daughter Diana with me.”
XU MENGQI:
“We are at the West Station of Yiwu right now. The freight rail network is an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative, some of your goods may be shipped from here. But the initiative is also facing headwinds. Western powers accuse China of setting debt traps and exerting Chinese influence. Do these people want to be connected to the initiative?”
SYLLA CHEICKINA:
“The population wants to be part of the connection and is also committed to it. Let’s look back to 1962 to 1999. What was happening in Africa at that time? We had almost no infrastructure. However, from 2000 to today, things have changed. We have expanded and advanced infrastructure in Africa through roads, rail bridges, etc. So the people in Africa are now connected to the world. “
MARINELLA FORTINO:
“In general, I agree with the initiative, as long as it is based on reciprocity and a togetherness in trade in the area of import and export. We must be aware that with the BRI we are opening the doors for China to connect with the whole world. This economic strength cannot be underestimated. “
UMMAR BUKHARI:
“I think other countries will also benefit when this network is fully developed. Any country that is part of this network will have an equal chance to win the market.”
XU MENGQI YIWU:
“Let’s talk about the next step, trade. Obviously, you all source goods from China. Is the influx of Chinese goods weakening your local industries?”
SYLLA CHEICKINA:
“Definitely.”
MARINELLA FORTINO:
“Definitely.”
UMMAR BUKHARI:
“Look at this product, for example. It is a very simple product. We tried to manufacture this in Pakistan, however, we can’t keep up with the cost. “
SYLLA CHEICKINA:
“And why? “
UMMAR BUKHARI:
“Because these products are manufactured and produced in China in millions-or even billions-of units.”
MARINELLA FORTINO:
“It’s impossible for us to produce something at the same price level we produce it at in China.
The products are cheaper despite shipping costs and taxes.”
SYLLA CHEICKINA:
“I can tell you that this is a big advantage for Africa. Because the cost of manufacturing in China is increasing and increasing. So they are migrating to Africa. I am not speaking specifically for other countries, but for Africa. I think we will have a strong future, especially in the areas of training and education of our younger generations, as well as the social growth.”
MARINELLA FORTINO:
“Yes, that’s right. Social development will happen automatically. People need the education and the development to grow.
SYLLA CHEICKINA:
“But we also need the political will. Without the will of politics, this will not happen. “
MARINELLA FORTINO:
“True. “
UMMAR BUKHARI:
“It’s obvious. Time is changing. The world is changing. It’s clear that this project will bring an imbalance, it will still come down to a win-win situation.”
XU MENGQI YIWU:
“Good, we have had some serious discussions now. I still hid one VIP guest in our round from you all this time. Let me introduce: Diana Cheickina! Diana is Sylla’s daughter and already a movie star. Diana starred as Pasha in the blockbuster Chinese film Wolf Warrior 2.”
DIANA CHEICKINA:
“Hello everyone, my name is Diana and I am 8 years old. “
MARINELLA FORTINO:
“Great!”
XU MENGQI YIWU:
“What is it like to be in a movie? “
DIANA CHEICKINA:
“It’s exhausting, but it was fun. “
SYLLA CHEICKINA:
“In Wolf Warrior 2, I was the president. “
MARINELLA FORTINO:
“Wow. “
UMMAR BUKHARI:
“Wow. “
SYLLA CHEICKINA:
“But only for a minute. “
MARINELLA FORTINO:
“It doesn’t matter, you were great.”
SYLLA CHEICKINA:
“Actually, it’s not just about the film. I think cultural exchange is the key for people to learn to understand each other.
MARINELLA FORTINO:
“You put it very beautifully.”
UMMAR BUKHARI:
“Connecting people will improve everything. “
XU MENGQI YIWU:
“I think this is a very good point to end with our panel. Thank you to our guests Diana, Sylla, Marinella and Ummar. Thank you for taking time despite your busy schedules. We wish you much success with your businesses inside and outside of China.”
About IMEX UNITED
IMEX UNITED, founded by Managing Director Marinella Fortino, has made it its business to think outside the box. The company combines the product diversity of the Asian market with German quality standards and stands for the transformation and change of the international trade of the future. After six years of business from the headquarters in Yiwu (China), IMEX UNITED opened its German site in Baden-Baden in November 2020. IMEX UNITED is an internationally positioned company with service consulting and processing for product trade. The focus is on international trade and market relations in Europe and Asia. The company thinks and acts in today’s world to provide the optimal solution for the individual needs of tomorrow’s customers.
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