Global Perspective

One Belt, One Road, One World: A Union of International Opportunities

Students and members of the San Francisco community filled the seats in USF’s Xavier Auditorium to listen to a multitude of high-profile speakers discuss the goals and opportunities that come from U.S.-China investment relations.

by School of Management China Business Studies Initiative

The China Business Studies Initiative (CBSI) hosted a forum on “One Belt One Road” (OBOR) on September 1. OBOR, according to Xiaohua Yang, Director of CBSI and Professor of International Business at USF, explained that the goal of OBOR involves China “[expanding] trade and investment ties with Asia, Europe, and Africa.” This unique forum would “help USF students and the Bay Area community better understand the history and nature of OBOR and what it means to businesses,” said Yang. The speakers at the event delved into the opportunities that OBOR has to offer, which primarily involve exploring U.S. and China investment relations. 

“For students, USF focuses on developing students' global outlook and skills working in culturally diverse environments,” said Yang. “OBOR may create many business opportunities in countries that are part of OBOR, and in 10 years time, our students may see themselves working in one of the OBOR countries."  

Having a deep understanding of (One Belt One Road) and the opportunities OBOR brings today may serve our students well tomorrow.” ~Xiaohua Yang, Director of CBSI

Along with China’s goals for expanding trade in other countries throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa, Yang assures that “EuroAsia is of strategic importance to U.S. multinationals.” With the expansion and success of OBOR will arise a multitude of business opportunities due to the thriving infrastructure. “Improvement in infrastructure could lead to economic growth, increased communication, and international trade and investment that in turn could stimulate industry and consumer demands for many products that U.S. firms can provide,” explained Yang.

Bringing the topic close to home, USF President Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J., spoke of how 10% of USF students come from different provinces throughout China, and how their academic success at the university is quite significant. Meanwhile, John Lee, founder of JPL Financial, calls OBOR “a global collaboration for world peace.”

“I think we should work for one world--I believe we have one world to share,” said Deputy Chinese Consulate General of San Francisco Faqiang Ren. He explained to the crowd how OBOR was the initiative of the new century, and that it is a “win-win strategy” that will benefit all by allowing the countries to learn from each other, enhance communication, and engage in exploration.

Harvey Dzodin, a columnist for the China Daily, talked about how CBSI “can open up significant business partnerships.” In his presentation, he quoted President Xi Jinping, the president of the People’s Republic of China: “The progress and results of the One Belt One Road initiative have been greater than expected.” Dzodin has high hopes for OBOR, believing that the abundance of opportunities in this specific collaboration of countries is significant. “You have to aim for the stars and go for it,” said Dzodin.

For more information about CBSI's spring semester Beijing Conference, visit the China Business Studies Initiative online.

By Lonny Wysard

USF President Fitzgerald and Deputy Consul General Faqiang Ren
USF China Business Studies Initiative One Belt One Road forum Keynote speaker and columnist for China Daily, Harvey Dzodin
Deputy Chinese Consulate General of San Francisco Faqiang Ren left and USF President Paul J Fitzgerald SJ
Deputy Chinese Consulate General of San Francisco Faqiang Ren, left, and USF President Paul J Fitzgerald SJ
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