Chinese government officials announced on Friday that in the upcoming phase of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the country will accelerate collaboration in the areas of innovation, green development, and the digital economy with other participating nations and regions.
Focus on Green Development and Innovation-led Growth
As many Belt and Road Initiative countries enter a new era of green development and innovation-led growth, China aims to deepen cooperation through eco-friendly projects, healthcare initiatives, and the adoption of new technologies, fostering mutually beneficial outcomes.
Strategic Coordination and High-Quality Cooperation Deals
Xu Jianping, Director of the Department of Regional Opening-up at the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), emphasized that China will continue to deepen strategic coordination with other BRI countries in the coming years. The focus is on deploying resources and making precise efforts to sign high-quality cooperation deals for joint development within the BRI framework.
Enhancing People-to-People Connectivity and Green Industries
The NDRC released six blue papers outlining China’s plans to extend cooperation with BRI countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean region. The nation aims to strengthen people-to-people connectivity, innovation activities, and green development. This includes expanding imports from ASEAN countries, building high-quality economic and trade cooperation zones, and enhancing cooperation in green industries such as electric vehicles and photovoltaics.
Integrated Connectivity Layout and Support for Africa
China will continue to improve the integrated connectivity layout across land, sea, air, and cyberspace with African countries under the BRI framework. Cooperation will be enhanced in new types of infrastructure projects, supporting companies in participating in the construction of transportation and communication infrastructure in African countries.
South-South Cooperation on Climate Change
China plans to provide programs and training courses for South-South cooperation on climate change. Financial, technological, and capacity support will be offered to partner countries to jointly achieve sustainable development goals.
Implementation of BRI Initiatives and Economic Impact
More than half of the 369 cooperation initiatives unveiled at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation have already been implemented. Foreign trade between China and other BRI economies exceeded $21 trillion from 2013 to October 2023, with China’s direct investment in other BRI economies surpassing $270 billion.
Global Participation and Tangible Benefits
After a decade of growth, the BRI involves the participation of over 150 countries and partners from various fields. The initiative has brought tangible benefits to businesses and people in participating countries, marking its success in fostering international collaboration.
Source: usa.chinadaily.com.cn
