Jose Vinals, chairman of Standard Chartered Plc.

The Belt and Road Initiative is the most important single initiative that exists and it is fostering cross-border integration in terms of infrastructure, cross-border investment and international trade. China is championing the initiative, which is very fundamental.

We are very strategically supporting this initiative, because we think it's very important for all the countries we serve in Asia, Middle East and Africa. The initiative, by enhancing infrastructure that allows the countries to be connected, therefore promoting investment and trade, is a major factor to support growth, development and the prosperity of those countries.

Standard Chartered last year participated in 40 deals related with the initiative. For example, we have supported Chinese governments to develop water power plants in Pakistan and Bangladesh.