The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become an internationally welcomed public good and cooperation platform with fruitful results achieved since its was first put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Thursday. Lin made the remarks in response to a query about the latest developments and achievements in Belt and Road cooperation globally.
“China has been working with various parties over the past 10 years and more to advance the BRI cooperation. Together, we have enabled the BRI to thrive and deliver for peoples and countries across the world, making the BRI an internationally welcomed public good and cooperation platform featuring openness, inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation,” said Lin.
“Over the past 10 plus years, BRI cooperation has seen numerous highlights, not only generating greater and smooth flows of people and goods, but delivering a tangible and stronger sense of fulfillment and happiness to the local people. China has signed BRI cooperation documents with over 150 countries and over 30 international organizations. Last year, China’s trade with partner countries reached 19.5 trillion yuan, up by 2.8 percent, accounting for 46.6 percent of the total import and export volume, setting a new record both for the size and share since the BRI was put forward,” he added.