As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) marks its tenth anniversary, reflections on its impact over the past decade have emerged. Ong Tee Keat, former Malaysian Transport Minister and President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, recently summarized the essence of the BRI in three words: inclusivity, connectivity, and symbiosis.
“These three words come to my mind instantly,” Ong shared. “Inclusivity, because the Initiative has been inclusive in nature, involving all nations from the Global South to developed countries. There’s no exclusion of any segment of the world.”
He emphasized that inclusivity is straightforward, highlighting the BRI’s openness to participation from various countries regardless of their development status.
“Connectivity is the second word,” Ong continued. “We all know that this has been a unique model involving connectivity in five aspects: logistics, trade, finance, and human connectivity.” The BRI has sought to enhance interlinkages across these sectors, fostering greater cooperation and exchange among participating nations.
“Symbiosis signifies mutually beneficial or win-win outcomes from the perspective of the general public,” he added. Ong believes that the BRI has created symbiotic relationships that promote shared prosperity and development.
As the Initiative enters its next decade, these three principles—inclusivity, connectivity, and symbiosis—may continue to shape its trajectory, influencing how countries collaborate on global economic and infrastructural development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
