This year's Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference kicked off on Thursday in Fuzhou, Fujian province.

Themed "Maritime Fuzhou: Together for a New Chapter in Maritime Silk Road Cooperation", the event aims to provide a platform for connectivity among countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The conference features economic and trade cooperation discussions under the BRI framework, with multiple parallel forums and industrial site visits. Key topics include the development of Fuzhou's marine industries and the integration of cultural and tourism projects.

More than 1,000 representatives from over 40 countries and regions, including embassy and chamber of commerce officials, are expected to attend.

Liu Boqian contributed to this story.