Business leaders share views on forum

Gao Feng chairman & chief country officer of Deutsche Bank China. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A1 The Belt and Road Initiative offers huge business opportunities to a major international financial institution like us, given the wide geographic coverage of over 60 countries from Asia, Europe and Africa.

The link will promote the efficient allocation of resources and deep integration of markets, which will significantly increase flows in trade, people and capital.

Our capacities in transaction banking and capital markets enable us to provide cross-border banking services of the highest standard and facilitate the growing trend of Chinese enterprises going overseas.

A2 We expect that China's GDP growth will stay stable at a world-leading rate of 6.5 percent in 2017.

Sustained growth with increases in external trade and domestic consumption, as well as the continued push in market opening and deregulation, will provide more room for foreign companies to expand and grow.

We are deeply committed to developing our franchise here, helping our local and multinational corporate and institutional clients to benefit in more effective ways from the huge opportunities offered by China's economic success.

A4 To enhance the country's competitiveness in a global setting, such moves are necessary and we have already seen the results, with entrepreneurs investing in more sophisticated industries which require greater skills and upgraded technology.

For the banking sector, financial technology brings both challenges and opportunities. We currently see competition coming not only from other financial institutions, but also firms which use new technology and innovation to compete with us in the delivery of financial services.

Close monitoring of the sector and proper engagement with enterprises providing related services will enhance traditional banking players' capabilities and help them offer competitive advantages in this fast-evolving market.