(Yicai Global) Feb. 22 -- The ICC Banking Commission's 2019 Annual Meeting, which is one of the most prominent events in the banking calendar, will take place from April 8 to April 11 in Beijing.

"The theme of the meeting this year -- 'leading the way in global trade' -- underlines the key role ICC has played for the past 100 years in supporting an international rules-based trading system", said John Denton, secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce. 2019 is the centenary anniversary of the ICC, the world's largest business organization.

"This milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on ICC's achievements as well as look ahead to what more ICC can do to promote inclusive trade and sustainable growth," he added. "Trade finance figures prominently in that discuss and is crucial to our vision of enabling businesses worldwide."

The meeting will feature keynote and breakout sessions exploring trade finance policies, emerging trends, ICC rules and findings from flagship ICC Banking Commission reports, with government officials. C-suite executives, industry experts, lawyers and insurers among attendees.

Asia is the world's number one trade finance hub and China is the world's largest trading nation, hence this year's meeting will have a regional focus on opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative, China's evolving role in international trade and its focus on achieving self-sufficiency in key technology sectors.

The Belt and Road is a 30 to 40 year grand plan devised by Chinese President Xi Jinping. It entails a multi-continent infrastructure and trade route integrating roads, rails, pipes and waterways.

"It is a great pleasure to be hosting the 2019 Annual Meeting in Beijing," the ICC Banking Commission's Chairman Daniel Schmand said. "With Asia's crucial position at the heart of the trade finance industry and the centenary of the ICC, it seemed an obvious choice to gather members and delegates here -- in the midst of such a vibrant hub -- to explore the wide range of opportunities and challenges the sector is currently facing."

Info: ICC Banking Commission Annual Meeting

Agenda: 8-11 April 2019