Source: CGTN    Published: 2023-08-18

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. An international symposium was held in Beijing on Thursday to launch a new book series that showcases China's research on the initiative over the past decade and provides analysis of its progress. Feng Yilei spoke to some of the international attendees at the event.

The new book series was launched at the Renmin University of China in Beijing.

The event brought together experts, diplomats, and former leaders of some Belt and Road countries, to discuss the progress and prospects of the global infrastructure initiative.

BORIS TADIC Former President of Serbia "In past 10 years, the Belt and Road Initiative was a game changer in the global arena, bringing more multilateralism in the world than before and also creating better conditions for the countries that are on the direction of this initiative."

Experts agreed the Initiative has evolved beyond a focus on physical infrastructure like roads and railways.

Going forward, they noted, high-quality and sustainable projects will be key.

DJOOMART OTORBAEV Former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan "We've already built between China and Kyrgyz Republic two highways, which brought very big benefits for both countries. Now it is a new stage because the amount of traffic is increasing and technology is improving. China has state of the art technology to build a railroad in the mountains conditions."

Experts say there is potential for the Belt and Road Initiative to play an even greater role in global development and governance.

They stress the need for open communication and understanding between nations.

ZLATKO LAGUMDZIJA Former Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina "We are used to zero sum game competition. And the Belt and Road Initiative is about win-win. It's changing the paradigm about actually how we can do the things together for mutual benefit. I see Belt and Road Initiative as a very concrete step forward in direction of bigger picture, which is sustainable development goals, adopted by United Nations."

The book series highlight that since 2013, China's trade with BRI countries has grown rapidly at an average of 8.6 percent annually despite geopolitical tensions.

FENG YILEI Beijing "Experts points out that over the past decade the Belt and Road Initiative has not caused war, crisis or turmoil. Instead, they argue it has benefited nearly 80 percent of the world's countries, lifting over 40 million people out of poverty. And they also say it has established a new platform for global cooperation, promoting openness, win-win and sustainable development. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Beijing."