China is due to host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation from October 17-18 in Beijing, and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Initiated in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, the BRI aims to promote economic cooperation among countries along the ancient Silk Road routes.
The initiative seeks to create railways, roads, ports and pipeline networks, connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond.
“The Chinese leadership has successfully sold the Belt and Road Initiative and more than 150 countries have joined it, with hundreds of agreements signed,” according to think tank, Carnegie China.
Of these, 44 are in sub-Saharan Africa.
Carnegie China brings together leading policy experts and practitioners from China and around the world for collaborative dialogue and research to try to identify constructive solutions to common global challenges.
The BRI is a multifaceted initiative that includes policy coordination, trade facilitation, financial integration and people-to-people bonds.
The forum will provide a platform for discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among participating countries and international organisations.
Representatives from over 130 countries and 30 international organisations are poised to convene for the forum.
It aims to strengthen existing partnerships and cultivate collaborations among participating countries, address common challenges like climate change, poverty and healthcare, promote joint efforts and knowledge sharing, and facilitate cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.
Moreover, the forum will likely witness the signing of numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding between participating countries and organisations, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation, trade, and investments and, in turn, promoting mutual prosperity and development.
