Between october 2013 and June 2016, China signed multiple contracts with countries along the Belt and road. It agreed to undertake large transport infrastructure projects in 26 countries; major energy projects in 19 countries (including power stations as well as electricity, oil and gas transmission projects); and 52 economic and trade cooperation zones (eTZs) in 18 countries. Commodity trade volume between China and Belt & road countries between June 2013 and June 2016 amounted to us $3.1 trillion, accounting for 26 percent of China’s total foreign trade, and China’s cumulative investment in these countries reached us $51.1 billion. Financial support from the initiative covers 90 percent of countries and regions along the Belt and road, and there have been people-to-people and cultural exchanges amongst all countries and regions involved.
Despite the prevailing climate of anti-globalization dominated by protectionism, isolationism, and populism, the concept of inclusive, fair, and rational international cooperation advocated by the Belt and road Initiative promises all peoples along the routes sustainable development and hope for the future. Its spirit of unity, win-win cooperation, mutual benefit, and common development is advancing the establishment of a new fair and inclusive international order.
Happy local workers pose for a selfie on January 9 to record the exciting moment when the first freight locomotives roll into Mombasa on the MombasaNairobi SGR Project in Kenya contracted by the China Road and Bridge Corporation.