Introduction: principles of the Belt and Road
Before writing this article, I would like to talk about the principles of the Belt and Road Initiative.
“The construction of the Belt and Road adheres to the principles of everyday business, sharing and construction, abides by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and complies with the five principles of peaceful coexistence, namely, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, peaceful coexistence, equality, and mutual benefit.
Openness and cooperation are essential principles of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The relevant countries are based on, but not limited to, the scope of the ancient Silk Road, and all countries and international and regional organizations can participate so that the fruits of joint construction can benefit a broader region.
Harmony and inclusiveness are advocated, respect for the choice of development paths and modes of development of all countries, strengthening of dialogue among civilizations, and seeking common ground while reserving differences, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and coexistence and co-prosperity.
Adhere to market operation, follow the laws of the market and internationally accepted rules, and give full play to the decisive role of the market in resource allocation and the central role of enterprises of all kinds while giving full play to the role of the government.
Adhere to mutual benefit and win-win results, take into account the interests and concerns of all parties, seek points of convergence of interests and the greatest common denominator of cooperation, reflect the wisdom and creativity of all parties, and give full play to the strengths and potentials of all parties by utilizing the strengths and capabilities of each party.
Challenges and opportunities in the domestic woodworking machinery industry
Domestic woodworking machinery is in an authoritarian state, and the industry is highly competitive. Woodworking machinery enterprises face market saturation, complex technological innovation, cost pressure, and multiple other challenges.
In this context, I learned that the president of woodworking machinery is planning to go to Myanmar and Thailand to seek cooperation in these two countries. This is a cross-country investigation and a valuable opportunity for our enterprises to explore the international market.
Traveling to Myanmar and Thailand with our Woodworking Machinery Chairman
I followed our Woodworking Machinery Chairman to Myanmar and Thailand, the member countries of the "Belt and Road." During the past half month, we visited many different woodworking machinery enterprises and gained a deep understanding of the local market demand and the industry's current situation.
In Myanmar, we visited some emerging woodworking machinery enterprises. Although these enterprises are small in scale, they show a strong willingness to develop and potential for progress. Myanmar's woodworking machinery industry is in its infancy, and local enterprises urgently need technological upgrading and equipment renewal, providing us with good cooperation opportunities.
In Thailand, we visited some woodworking machinery enterprises with a long history. These enterprises have advanced technology and equipment and pay attention to technology inheritance and innovation. The woodworking machinery market in Thailand is relatively mature, and the competition among enterprises is also very fierce. However, through in-depth exchanges, we found that local enterprises have a strong interest in Chinese woodworking machinery, equipment, and technology and hope to enhance their competitiveness through cooperation further.
Cultural Experience and Industry Insight
During the visit, we also had the opportunity to experience the local specialties of architecture and cuisine. I was impressed by the Teakwood Palace in Thailand. This all-teak building showcases the craftsmanship of the master builders, and the complexity and craftsmanship of the structure are exceptional. I wonder when China’s woodworking machinery industry will be able to shine and reach this level of art and technology.
In addition to the Teakwood Palace, we also visited a traditional wood carving workshop in Myanmar and admired the exquisite handcraft skills of the local artisans. These traditional skills are not only a symbol of culture but also demonstrate the application and development of woodworking machinery in different cultures.
In terms of food, we tasted the specialties of Myanmar and Thailand and experienced the rich cultural atmosphere of the region. Myanmar’s water festival feast and Thailand’s Tom Yum Goong soup contain a deep historical and cultural background. These cuisines gave us great taste and deepened our understanding of the local culture.
Summarize
This visit to Myanmar and Thailand with the president of Woodworking Machinery gave me a deep understanding of the woodworking machinery industry in these two countries and found new cooperation opportunities for our enterprises. The construction of “One Belt, One Road” provides a platform and opportunity for cooperation between enterprises of different countries. We can make more extraordinary breakthroughs and success in the international market through joint efforts.
In future development, we will continue to uphold the principle of "One Belt, One Road" and actively seek cooperation with enterprises worldwide to promote the expected progress of the woodworking machinery industry. China's woodworking machinery industry will show more brilliant achievements internationally.