As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) celebrates its 10th anniversary, the State Council Information Office of China has released a white paper titled “The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future.” The document highlights significant strides made in bridging global infrastructural gaps and fostering mutual cooperation among participating countries.
Global infrastructural deficits have long hindered sustainable development. According to the World Bank, 675 million people worldwide lack electricity, 2.3 billion lack potable water, and 3.6 billion lack safe sanitation. Additionally, 1 billion people live more than two kilometers from a year-round road, and 450 million are beyond the reach of broadband signals. Addressing these challenges requires an estimated $1.5 trillion annually by 2030, representing 4.5 percent of the GDP of low- and middle-income countries.
The BRI has been instrumental in tackling these issues. Through massive investments in infrastructure and basic social services, many regions have seen reductions in poverty levels. China, having successfully eradicated poverty domestically, has extended its efforts globally through the BRI, embodying the principle of building a global community with a shared future.
The newly released white paper provides evidence-based accounts of the BRI’s impact, showcasing projects that have improved lives and stimulated economic growth in various countries. It underscores the importance of continued collaboration to overcome socio-economic challenges and accelerate progress toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
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White paper on BRI provides new horizon of mutual cooperation
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