INVESTMENT SURGE

Former Chinese deputy foreign trade minister Long Yongtu believes more Chinese companies will be encouraged to seek business opportunities abroad, bringing a new round of investment.

Yu Xubo, president of China's largest food company, COFCO Corp., said the initiatives represent an open Chinese market with more cooperation chances.

"As an agriculture company, we would like a better plan that facilitates trade and investment along the routes," he added.

Bishnu Raj Adhikari, managing director of Kathmandu College of Management in Nepal, believes the action plan has the potential to further promote Asian integration and common development.

"Nepal is between China and India, if the concept is implemented, Nepal will benefit," he said, adding that the next phase needed countries to consider how to implement the strategy.