When Muhammad Zain Tariq first trekked along the ancient Silk Road as a teenager, he didn't know it would chart his career. Today, the Pakistani entrepreneur credits his Shenzhen-based tech ventures and collaboration with Chinese teams to the opportunities created by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
From Silk Road to Shenzhen
Since 2013, the BRI has woven together 149 countries and 32 international organizations through infrastructure and trade. For Tariq, this translated into career growth: "China’s investments helped me bridge IT innovation between our nations," he says. By August 2023, BRI trade surpassed $12 trillion, with projects like Indonesia's Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway reshaping regional economies.
Global Initiatives, Local Impact
World Bank data reveals BRI transport projects could lift 32 million people from moderate poverty by 2030. UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls China "indispensable" to global development. Young professionals agree: German sustainability advocate Katharina Kempf hopes for "more Sino-European innovation teamwork," while UK educator Philip Addington champions cross-cultural exchanges to "strengthen mutual understanding."
A Shared Future in Focus
As China advances its Global Development and Security Initiatives, young leaders emphasize tech collaboration and green infrastructure. "The next five years should prioritize education and healthcare partnerships," Tariq asserts – a vision resonating across BRI nations seeking equitable growth.
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Young foreigners expect more cooperation with China in the future
cgtn.com
