Long Guoqiang, Vice-President of the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), led a delegation to Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan from December 13 to 22, 2018.

The delegation conducted research on the BRI international capacity cooperation and the joint research project of China-Saudi Arabia economic and trade cooperation signed by DRC and oil company Saudi Aramco.

In Sri Lanka, the delegation visited the Pathfinder Foundation and the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) to conduct extensive and in-depth exchanges on construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The delegation introduced China's experience in reform and opening-up, and answered questions raised by the Sri Lankan delegates. Long invitedrepresentatives from Sri Lanka to participate in DRC training programs. The delegation held talks with Chinese diplomats and Chinese-funded enterprises in Sri Lanka on trade cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, and conducted field research on the Colombo International Container Terminals and the Port City invested by Chinese-funded enterprises.

During their stay in Saudi Arabia, the delegation visited government departments and enterprises to learn about the joint research project between the DRC and Saudi Aramco, and to discuss cooperation in energy between China and Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabia delegates believe that the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia's "2030 Vision" can be well connected, and they are willing to strengthen cooperation with China, including cooperation with third parties.

Saudi Arabia welcomes China's investment in energy and non-oil industries to boost its "2030 Vision" and industry diversification.

The delegation and Saudi Aramco held a special discussion on their cooperation, formed a consensus, and said they will further improve their research report through on-the-spot surveys and seminars.

During their stay in Pakistan, the delegation visited the Board of Investment to hold a discussion on construction of the Belt and Road and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The delegation conducted field research on Rashakai and Hattar Economic Zone in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and exchanged views on the planning and positioning, infrastructure and ancillary services of the economic zone.

The delegation also held talks with Chinese diplomats in Pakistan on the progress of Belt and Road construction, the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the construction and operation of Gwadar Port, and the problems they faced. The delegation listened to the opinions and suggestions of enterprises on the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.