BRI at 10: Turning Dreams into Reality
Amid economic recessions, unilateralism, protectionism, and regional disputes, the BRI has stood as a tangible framework, addressing concerns through infrastructure and information initiatives.
Amid economic recessions, unilateralism, protectionism, and regional disputes, the BRI has stood as a tangible framework, addressing concerns through infrastructure and information initiatives.
Since Tanzania joined the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2018, vital infrastructure projects remain ongoing and bilateral trade between Tanzania and China has increased to over $8 billion. “If we had no option of Chinese enterprises, we would pay an arm and a leg to realize such projects,” said Mbelwa Kairuki, former Tanzanian ambassador to China.
Technology and collaboration are transcending borders and bringing cities and civilizations closer.
Nepal’s ambassador to China, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, says the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is bringing the people of Nepal and China closer together and strengthening the country’s economic development. Connectivity is the most important thing he said, adding that the China-Nepal cross-border railway, will not only connect Nepal and China physically but, also connect the hearts of the people of the two countries.
African countries are important partners and active participants in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Rahamtalla M. Osman, African Union Representative to China, said that BRI is a win-win cooperation between China and all participating members.
“I think we have to separate propaganda from reality. Sri Lanka did not fall into a trap.” Talking about critics of the Belt and Road Initiative accusing China of pursuing a policy of “debt-trap diplomacy”, Sri Lanka’s former Ambassador to China, Dr. Palitha Kohona, refuted the allegations. On the contrary, BRI-related investments will help Sri Lanka to extricate itself from the massive financial crisis that it is facing. He said BRI will help developing countries achieve a higher level of development.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. What significant results have been achieved through BRI cooperation? How have different countries and regions benefited from this transformative initiative? Join us through the lens of ambassadors from BRI partners to hear about the positive changes that the BRI has brought over the past decade. Stay tuned!
The Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative have taken root and borne fruits, bringing prosperity and stability to the world and creating substantive benefits for the people.
The BRI has contributed to the promotion of trade facilitation by improving transportation links and connectivity, reducing the turnaround transactions period and the cost of moving goods for trade between African countries.
The China-Nepal railway project carries huge expectations of the two peoples. This project will be a game-changer for Nepal’s economic development after its completion.
To make the American vision for the new era, whereby ‘every nation can choose its own path and its own partners’ a reality, the United States must put down its cudgel and show true respect for the development path of other countries.