Round Table presents 'CGTN Townhall – The New Silk Road'
Oct 18, 2023
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Experts and guests discuss the achievements and future potential of the Belt and Road Initiative over the past decade. Topics include the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, connectivity in Asia, priorities of phase two, China's benefits, and economic benefits of the BRI.
The Belt and Road Initiative has achieved remarkable international cooperation with over 150 countries and 30 international organizations signing cooperation documents, establishing over 3,000 projects and attracting nearly one trillion dollars of investment.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the BRI has significantly improved infrastructure, trade, and connectivity between China and Pakistan, attracting $25.4 billion in Chinese investment and addressing challenges such as energy shortages.
Deep dives
The BRI's Achievements and Future Direction
The BRI, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, has become a major international cooperation platform with remarkable achievements. Over the past decade, more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations have signed cooperation documents with China. The BRI has established over 3,000 cooperation projects and attracted nearly one trillion U.S. dollars of investment. CGTN has co-produced programs with media networks from Pakistan, Malaysia, Serbia, and Indonesia to explore the outcomes of lateral cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.
BRI's Impact on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the BRI, has brought significant changes to China and Pakistan over the past decade. CPEC has facilitated the development of infrastructure, trade, and connectivity between the two countries. It has attracted $25.4 billion in Chinese investment, created employment opportunities, generated electric power, built highways, and expanded the national transmission network. The ongoing projects and future plans under CPEC aim to strengthen bilateral relations, boost economic growth, and address challenges such as energy shortages.
Opportunities and Challenges of BRI in Africa
China's engagement with Africa under the BRI offers immense opportunities for economic cooperation and development. African countries, including those in Central Asia, can benefit from infrastructure projects, investment, and trade. The BRI provides a pathway for countries like Ethiopia, Egypt, and other African nations to connect with China through rail links, improving regional integration and trade opportunities. While challenges such as debt management and resource allocation exist, the BRI presents a chance for Africa to learn from China's development model, enhance regional cooperation, and create sustainable prosperity for its citizens.
Addressing Trust Deficit and Stigmatization
The BRI faces stigmatization and claims of imposing unsustainable financial burdens on participating countries. However, trust and mutual consultation have been key principles in BRI projects. The success of infrastructure projects and the role they play in regional development are indicators of the positive impact of the BRI. Developing countries are learning to utilize investments effectively, improve governance, and attract foreign stakeholders. The ongoing evolution of the BRI also addresses challenges and shows a commitment to constructive development. Ultimately, the benefits and progress of the BRI will dispel doubts and reinforce trust among participating countries.
2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. CGTN invites dozens of college students, together with experts and national news networks from Pakistan and Malaysia, to jointly review the achievements of the initiative over the past decade and explore its future potential.
In this show, we are joined by Li Qiuyuan, CGTN Anchor; Zhong Shi, CGTN Anchor; Harvey Dzodin, Senior Fellow of Center for China and Globalization; Amine Hammadi, Chief Analyst for the African Chamber of Commerce; Zoon Ahmed Khan, Research Fellow of the BRI Strategic Institute of Tsinghua University; and John Gong, Vice President of Research and Strategy University of International Business and Economics - Israel.
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