Web talents call for promoting digital economy along the Belt and Road

Aftab A. Siddiqui, Technical Engagement Manager of The Internet Society, gives a speech during the Belt and Road Internet Entrepreneurs Forum in Beijing on July 12th, 2018. [Photo: China Plus: Li Yi]

The 2018 China Internet Conference wrapped up in Beijing on Thursday. The three-day gathering touched upon topics including the sharing economy and cyberspace security.

During the last day of the event, participants from countries along the Belt and Road called for collaboration on the development of the digital economy along the route.

CRI's Li Yi reports.

At the Belt and Road Internet Entrepreneurs Forum, Tshamana Makhadi, the founder and general manager of South Africa TM Global Media, said that countries could benefit from the digital economy in the form of additional job opportunities.

"The internet has revolutionized all forms of communication since the beginning of its existence. The world has now become smaller, and as some even suggest, it has almost become a global village. The digital economy can play a big role in the country as a creation of jobs. Digital in our view, it is indeed the future."

Makhadi also said that collaboration between China and South Africa is going well, and he invited more Chinese companies to work with local partners in South Africa.

Last December, China and six other countries along the Belt and Road signed an agreement that aimed to improve collaboration in the digital economy.

The Vice President of the Internet Society of China, Gao Lulin, called on China's Internet companies to engage in more global collaboration, especially in countries along the Belt and Road.

"As representatives of the emerging production powers, more Chinese internet companies are working to promote the Belt and Road initiative. They are providing internet services and new technologies to countries along the route. Entrepreneurs aren't just businesspeople; they also shoulder social responsibilities. They should engage in global collaboration through the Belt and Road initiative, and provide services to people around the world."

Cyberspace security was also high on the agenda during the forum, as the world's growing connectivity brings with it a growing risk to data security.

Aftab A. Siddiqui, Technical Engagement Manager of The Internet Society, said that people along the Belt and Road should work together to combat security risks.

"My friend said the Belt and Road Initiative is all about collaboration. Definitely. This is all about collaboration. We cannot succeed on our own. We need partners, we need supporters all over the world. And most importantly, in the Belt and road, we have to collaborate."

This year's internet conference also discussed issues such as internet plus, sharing economy, information protection, smart city and artificial intelligence.