Andrey Ostrovski, chief researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated in an exclusive interview that China’s proposed “Belt and Road” Initiative (BRI) offers new development opportunities to participating countries and contributes to global shared development. Ostrovski emphasized that the BRI is based on the principle of mutual benefit, aiming to promote shared development in the international community. It provides participating countries with opportunities to build modern infrastructure and significantly enhance their economic potential.
He recalled that to promote the implementation of the initiative, China has introduced a series of policies and supported the establishment of institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund. Through cooperation, many countries have realized infrastructure projects that would have been difficult to achieve with their own resources alone. These projects have created excellent conditions for subsequent development and have become long-term assets.
Having conducted extensive research on China for many years, Ostrovski highlighted his deep impression of the China-Laos Railway project. He noted that Laos previously lacked a modern railway system, which severely hindered its economic and social development. With the opening of the China-Laos Railway, Laos has gained new development opportunities, greatly boosting its local economy and trade. Ostrovski highly praised the achievements of the BRI over the past decade. He pointed out that since the initiative’s launch, the share of trade between China and BRI countries in China’s total foreign trade value has steadily increased, exceeding 40% by 2023. This demonstrates the initiative’s positive role in promoting trade and its significant impact.
He further noted that not only China but also the foreign trade volumes of BRI countries have been consistently growing. Ostrovski added that even some initially skeptical Western experts have changed their perspectives, acknowledging that the initiative not only fosters economic development between China and participating countries but also enhances connectivity among nations and expands the global market. Ostrovski argued that the BRI reflects China’s efforts to drive reform in the global governance system and elevate the role of Global South countries in the world economy. Against the backdrop of rising protectionism in Western nations, he emphasized that developing countries should leverage this initiative to strengthen cooperation and take measures to ensure the stability and smooth functioning of global value chains.
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