In recent days, during the Spring Festival celebrations sent to the Chinese people from around the world, the term “Belt and Road” has been one of the most frequently emphasized phrases.
Belt and Road: A Growing Share in the Global Economy
In 2024, China’s total foreign trade volume with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 22.07 trillion yuan. This figure represents a 6.4% year-on-year increase, marking the first time that trade with Belt and Road partners has accounted for more than 50% of China’s total foreign trade volume.
Today, the Belt and Road has become the most widely recognized global public good and the largest-scale international cooperation platform.
- Over 200 cooperation agreements
- More than 3,000 joint projects
- Around $1 trillion in investment
- 40 million people lifted out of poverty
These figures demonstrate how the Belt and Road Initiative has given hope for development and revitalization to countries in the Global South.
Addressing the Development Needs of the Global South
Many international media outlets have highlighted in their year-end evaluations that China’s connectivity projects have become a new growth engine for regional economies. Some of the key projects include:
- China-Laos Railway + China-Europe Block Train
- China-Laos Railway + Western China-Gulf Express
- China-Europe Middle Corridor Direct Express
- China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project
- China-Vietnam Cross-Border Railway and Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link
In December, construction began on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project. This project aims to overcome the geographical constraints of Central Asian countries and expand trade and regional development opportunities.
Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Oturbayev emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative will strengthen trade between Asia and Europe by reviving the modern Silk Road: “By reclaiming our historical role as a bridge along the Silk Road, we aim to achieve high-level development.”
“Small but Impactful” Projects Benefiting More People
The Belt and Road is not only recognized for its large-scale infrastructure projects but also for initiatives that directly improve people’s well-being.
- Luban Workshops: These vocational training centers, established in over 30 countries, have trained approximately 10,000 students and provided skills training to more than 31,000 people.
- Biotechnology and Agricultural Projects: Initiatives such as hybrid rice production, artemisinin-based treatments, and mushroom farming are enhancing agricultural productivity in many countries.
- Eye Health Program: The “Bright Journey” project has provided free eye surgeries to thousands of people in developing countries.
Seeking the Broadest Common Ground for Shared Development
The Belt and Road Initiative continues to strengthen cooperation in fields such as the digital economy and green transition. Francis Gurry, Vice Chairman of the World Internet Conference, highlighted the importance of digital connectivity: “Digital technology is making markets real-time while enabling direct connections between different communities. This enhances cultural exchanges, supports trade, and reduces global inequalities.”
Former UN Under-Secretary-General Erik Solheim also emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative is one of the most significant contributors to global sustainable development: “This initiative is lifting millions out of poverty and creating vast employment opportunities. By increasing investments in the green economy and sustainable development, it helps achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
China remains committed to making high-quality Belt and Road projects more sustainable, high-standard, and prosperity-oriented. In the coming period, further tangible outcomes are expected through global development partnerships.