THE SILK ROAD SPIRIT
has become a great heritage of human civilization.”
“Spanning thousands of miles and years, the ancient silk routes embody the spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit.
Highlights of President Xi Jinping’s keynote speech during the opening session of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation:
Policy connectivity
China has signed cooperation agreements with over 40 countries and international organizations and carried out framework cooperation on production capacity with more than 30 countries.
Infrastructure connectivity
A multidimensional infrastructure network is taking shape, one that is underpinned by economic corridors ... featuring land-sea-air transportation routes and an information expressway, and supported by major railway, port and pipeline projects.
Trade connectivity
Total trade between China and other Belt and Road countries from 2014-16 has exceeded $3 trillion, and China’s investment in these countries has surpassed $50 billion. Chinese companies have set up 56 economic cooperation zones in over 20 countries, generating ... 180,000 jobs.
Financial connectivity
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has provided $1.7 billion in loans for nine projects in Belt and Road participating countries. The Silk Road Fund has made $4 billion in investments, and the “16+1” financial holding company ... has been inaugurated.
People-to-people connectivity
Every year, the Chinese government provides 10,000 government scholarships to the relevant countries. China’s local governments also have set up special Silk Road scholarships to encourage international cultural and educational exchanges.