As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) marks its tenth anniversary, it stands as a transformative global force, turning visionary ideas into tangible realities. Launched by China in 2013, the BRI has forged a path toward deeper economic cooperation and bridged developmental gaps among participating countries.
Infrastructure connectivity has been a cornerstone of the BRI, laying the groundwork for enhanced trade and economic growth. Through the construction and upgrading of roads, railways, ports, and energy projects across Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond, the BRI has closed infrastructure gaps and invigorated local economies.
A notable example is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has significantly upgraded Pakistan’s infrastructure and created a more efficient trade route to the Arabian Sea. With an investment of $25.4 billion, the CPEC has generated 192,000 jobs, produced 6,000 megawatts of electricity, and built 510 kilometers of highways in Pakistan. Local communities have warmly welcomed these developments, viewing the CPEC as a historic opportunity for the country. Stella Hong Zhang, a China public policy postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center, described the CPEC as “a historic opportunity for Pakistan,” according to Nikkei Asia.
The BRI’s infrastructure projects are not merely constructions of steel and concrete; they are bridges of cooperation and prosperity. By enhancing connectivity, the BRI has fostered unimpeded trade, financial integration, and closer people-to-people ties, contributing to a global community with a shared future.
As the BRI continues to evolve, it remains committed to promoting all-round connectivity and sustaining economic growth. The initiative’s success over the past decade highlights the potential of collaborative efforts in building a more connected and prosperous world.
Reference(s):
How BRI's infrastructure connectivity boosts economic growth
cgtn.com
