Atlanta, September 19, 2018 — Insights to “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) infrastructure business opportunities were presented at a luncheon program organized by the Hong Kong Association of Atlanta (HKAA).
A business panel comprised of Dr. Yawei Liu, Director of The Carter Center, China Program, John Rice, Vice Chairman of General Electric (ret.), Louis Chan, Principal Economist, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and Henry Yu, COO of Asian Investors Consortium and President of Hong Kong Association of Atlanta, shared their thoughts with over 150 participants from metro Atlanta at the luncheon program.
Jorge Fernandes, Vice President of Global Commerce Metro Atlanta Chamber and Dr. Jagdish Sheth, Charles H. Kellstadt Professor at Emory University delivered their views on the BIR as luncheon guest speakers.
The luncheon program on BRI was the second in series organized by Hong Kong Association Atlanta (HKAA).
“We are pleased to highlight the opportunities and challenges of the BIR with the business community in the metro Atlanta and Southeast region,” said Gene Hanratty, Senior Consultant to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (New York) and Executive Director of Hong Kong Association of Atlanta.
Several of the panelist described the business risks and political challenges associated with BRI.
Every panelist agreed that BRI arguably highlighted the critical needs for infrastructures development around the globe. Along with it, it also addresses the major challenges in financing and mitigating associated political risks.
“The “Belt and Road Initiative” is a masterful strategy and it is here to stay. My message to companies interested in pursuing the infrastructure opportunities should decide what works for them and to decide on their strategies soon,” said John Rice, retired Vice Chairman of General Electric.
Panelists also believe that BRI also suffers from a negative public relations perception. It should emphasize on creating more local business opportunities rather than geopolitical influences.
