Launched just over a decade ago by the Chinese mainland, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has sparked one of the most ambitious global development efforts in recent history. At the 2025 Advisory Council Meeting of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Ningbo, council members reflected on its journey, sharing insights into both achievements and challenges ahead.
Building long-haul infrastructure has been the BRI's signature: more than 80,000 kilometers of rail lines, thousands of kilometers of highways, and dozens of modernized ports now connect Asia, Africa, and Europe. In Southeast Asia, a high-speed rail link between two major cities has slashed travel times by 60%, helping local businesses tap into new markets.
The Digital Silk Road is another pillar of progress. Undersea cables and cross-border fiber networks have boosted internet speeds and reliability in remote regions. In East Africa, faster connections have enabled e-commerce platforms to flourish, increasing exports for small-scale artisans by nearly 20% year-on-year.
Green development projects are also gaining traction. Solar power farms in Central Asia and wind projects along coastal corridors are driving clean energy access for millions. A green finance framework announced in Ningbo aims to mobilize billions in low-carbon investments for infrastructure upgrades and climate-resilient agriculture.
People-to-people ties lie at the heart of the BRI's vision. From vocational training centers in Central Europe to cultural festivals in Central Asia, the initiative has facilitated over 70,000 scholarships and exchange programs, fostering a new generation of globally minded leaders.
Looking ahead, Ningbo's council members emphasized sustainability and digital innovation as the keys to future growth. By deepening value chains, boosting local capacity building, and focusing on climate resilience, the BRI aims to remain a catalyst for shared prosperity across more than 140 countries and regions.
Reference(s):
10+ years of Belt and Road Initiative: What has it achieved?
cgtn.com
