By tf-lawyer.com More than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations are actively collaborating to enhance the “Belt and Road Initiative,” aiming for high-quality outcomes.
On September 20th, a freight train set off from the Xi’an International Port Station in Shaanxi Province, marking a significant milestone. The train, filled with auto parts, furniture, appliances, solar photovoltaic products, and much more, covered an impressive distance of over 11,000 kilometers. Passing through Khorgos Port in Xinjiang, it traveled across Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic before finally arriving in Mannheim, Germany. This journey represents the first joint departure organized by 15 member units of the “International Transport Route across the Caspian Sea” association, showcasing an exemplary model of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
This ambitious initiative was launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, presenting a vision rooted in Eastern philosophy focused on shared prosperity. Over the past decade, Belt and Road cooperation has spread from Eurasia to Africa and Latin America, with cooperation documents signed by more than 150 countries and over 30 organizations. China and its partners have made concerted efforts to implement and expand these projects, weaving a complex network that connects nations and amplifies mutual benefits.
One notable example of this connection is in Laos, where the Laos-China Railway has significantly enhanced travel and trade. Just a couple of hours south of the Laos-China border at Moding Station lies the popular tourist hotspot of Vang Vieng. Local homestay owner Banya says, “Since the railway opened in 2021, the travel time between cities like Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang has been cut down considerably, leading to a boom in tourism.”
Noi, who has run a stall in Vang Vieng for over a decade, adds, “Tourism is on the rise, and my business is thriving.” In the first half of this year alone, Vang Vieng welcomed approximately 600,000 international visitors, including over 100,000 from China. Moreover, in June, the Laotian government announced plans to develop Vang Vieng into a national tourist zone.
The Laos-China Railway has not only streamlined travel for individuals but also created jobs along its route, boosting trade between China, Laos, and other ASEAN nations. In nearly three years, the railway has operated 56,000 passenger trains, carrying over 38 million passengers and expanding the cross-border goods categories from an initial 10 to more than 2,900. This growth has spurred the development of integrated economic zones in Laos, yielding broad and impactful results.
At the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum, President Xi emphasized, “Over the past decade, we have worked to construct a global interconnected network encompassing land, sea, space, and the internet, effectively facilitating the flow of goods, capital, technology, and people across countries.”
The high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative has birthed thriving trade routes that connect nations through railways, highways, air travel, and maritime shipping, injecting fresh momentum into global economic growth.
In Fiji, the Rewa Disabled Persons Association highlights another dimension of the initiative’s impact. Situated near the capital airport, members of the association are efficiently cultivating mushrooms using techniques supported by China. “Mushroom farming requires no fertilizers or pesticides and doesn’t demand much labor, which is perfect for us,” explains committee chair Litia. The association distributes mushroom bags and materials from a Chinese-supported center, ensuring consistent sales to local markets and hotels, thereby doubling their profits.
“I’ve become something of a mushroom expert!” Litia enthusiastically tells a visiting Chinese mycology expert. “Thanks to the mushroom technology, I not only support my family but also contribute to the community.”
The emphasis on people in the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative underscores the importance of projects that uplift communities. “In designing our projects for mushroom cultivation technology assistance, we prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable populations,” remarks Lin Dongmei, Deputy Director of the National Mushroom Engineering Technology Research Center.
The technology has been shared with over 100 countries and regions, bringing hope to many seeking jobs or income. In Lesotho, a new folk song celebrating mushroom cultivation has emerged: “Some say it’s a weed; others say it’s life; it’s food and medicine, and it brings hope…”
As Lin elaborates, “We plan to provide further assistance to local communities in refining the mushroom industry chain, combining aid with investment to utilize the resilience of mushroom farming to reclaim degraded and saline lands.”
These “small but beautiful” projects embody the spirit of the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative. From sharing hybrid rice cultivation techniques to building thousands of accessible wells for clean water, numerous impactful initiatives are taking root, paving the path for sustainable development across many nations.
Finally, the establishment of “Luban Workshops” is transforming the educational landscape for youth in Kazakhstan. “This is the cylinder head from my first car,” says Anasyr Melashev as he presents a component from a refurbished garage-turned-classroom. The Luban Workshop, a collaboration between Tianjin Vocational University and East Kazakhstan Technical University, provides advanced training in automotive technology among other fields.
“The Luban Workshop is changing the lives of local youth,” says Sholek Rahmetulina, President of East Kazakhstan Technical University. This summer, 15 educators from the university participated in a two-week training course in Tianjin to further enhance educational cooperation.
With over 30 Luban Workshops now offering more than 50 specialties in over 20 countries, including advanced manufacturing and vocational education, there are significant efforts underway to meet local skill demands.
President Xi has stressed, “The Belt and Road Initiative focuses on collective effort and mutual support, advocating that personal success is linked to the well-being of others, aiming for shared development and cooperative win-win scenarios.”
This approach confirms that the Belt and Road Initiative aligns with historical progress and humanistic values, charting a course for a brighter future. With collaborative efforts from all sides, the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative is poised for steady and sustainable growth.
