In a pivotal address at the fourth Belt and Road symposium on Monday, Xi Jinping, the Chinese premier and general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, underscored the importance of advancing high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Xi highlighted the significant progress made since the BRI's inception in 2013, noting that over 150 countries and 30 international organizations have signed cooperation agreements. He emphasized that these partnerships have not only strengthened China's friendships but also spurred economic and social development in participating nations.
Addressing the challenges of a turbulent global landscape, Xi called for strategic confidence and a steadfast focus on creating a brighter future through the BRI. He urged stakeholders to manage risks and navigate geopolitical conflicts effectively while maintaining the momentum of high-quality cooperation.
Data from the Ministry of Commerce reveals impressive achievements: by the end of 2023, Chinese companies had established 17,000 overseas enterprises within BRI countries, with direct investments surpassing $330 billion. Additionally, the initiative has fostered the creation of 530,000 local jobs through its overseas economic and trade cooperation zones.
Xi reiterated the BRI's guiding principles of \"planning together, building together, and benefiting together,\" advocating for open, green, and sustainable collaboration. He stressed the need for enhanced connectivity and the continuous creation of new opportunities for win-win development.
As the BRI enters a new phase of high-quality development, Xi called for improved planning, coordination, and management mechanisms. He encouraged perseverance in turning strategic blueprints into tangible outcomes and the courage to overcome various challenges, aiming to contribute significantly to the development of a shared human community.
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Xi Jinping stresses advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation
cgtn.com
