ISLAMABAD (DAILY ITTEHAD) : Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), spearheaded by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, stands as one of the most ambitious infrastructure and economic development projects in modern history. Encompassing over 140 countries and international organizations, the BRI aims to enhance global connectivity, boost trade, and promote economic growth across Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond. At the core of this initiative is President Xi’s vision of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which underscores China’s commitment to fostering international cooperation, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
President Xi Jinping’s vision for the BRI is deeply rooted in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, first articulated by China in the mid-20th century. These principles emphasize mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. These principles are woven into the BRI’s framework, which aims to build a new platform for international cooperation and create new drivers of shared development.
BRI is designed to create a vast network of trade routes that mimic the ancient Silk Road, linking continents through modern infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, ports, and airports. This network facilitates economic integration, enhances market access, and accelerates development, particularly in regions historically marginalized in global trade. For developing economies, the BRI is a lifeline offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and modernization. By addressing infrastructure deficits, these countries can better integrate into global supply chains, attracting foreign investment and boosting economic activities. According to the World Bank, BRI transport infrastructure could reduce travel times by up to 12%, lowering trade costs by an average of 2.5% globally. Through improved connectivity, the BRI stimulates trade by reducing transportation costs and improving access to markets. In Southeast Asia, for instance, BRI projects have contributed to a 5% increase in regional trade. Similarly, Africa has witnessed a significant boost in trade with China, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aligning with BRI projects to enhance regional integration. It also prioritizes sustainable development, encouraging green infrastructure projects and environmentally friendly practices. Projects like the China-Laos Railway incorporate advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact, reflecting a commitment to ecological conservation alongside economic development.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project under the BRI, representing a vital economic artery connecting China to the Arabian Sea. Launched in 2013, CPEC encompasses a comprehensive suite of projects, including energy, transportation, infrastructure, and industrial cooperation. Before CPEC, Pakistan faced a severe energy crisis, with daily power outages hampering industrial productivity and quality of life. CPEC’s energy projects have been instrumental in addressing this challenge, adding over 10,400 MW to Pakistan’s national grid. The Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant, with a capacity of 1,320 MW, provides reliable electricity to millions, creating over 3,000 jobs during construction and operation. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, spanning 6,500 acres, contributes 1,000 MW, marking a significant step towards renewable energy adoption in Pakistan. The Port Qasim Coal-Fired Power Plant, generating 1,320 MW, enhances energy security while employing thousands in its construction and operational phases. The Karot Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 720 MW, is expected to generate 3.2 billion kWh annually, supporting Pakistan’s transition to clean energy. These projects collectively stabilize Pakistan’s energy supply, fostering industrial growth and improving living standards.
CPEC has also catalyzed significant infrastructural advancements, transforming Pakistan’s transportation landscape and improving regional connectivity. The development of Gwadar Port as a deep-sea port and its associated Free Zone is pivotal for regional trade. It positions Pakistan as a key transit hub, linking South Asia with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The port and its associated projects have created over 40,000 jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. The Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M-5), a 392 km six-lane motorway, is part of the larger Peshawar-Karachi Motorway. It reduces travel time between Multan and Sukkur from 11 hours to just 4 hours, enhancing trade efficiency and creating over 30,000 jobs during construction. The Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore, the first metro train project in Pakistan, eases urban congestion, reduces travel time, and employs over 5,000 people.
Revitalizing Pakistan’s agricultural sector, promoting technology transfer and improved farming practices has been the key target of CPEC. With enhanced infrastructure and market access, Pakistani farmers are now better positioned to export high-quality produce to China. Among the top crops exported to China under CPEC are cotton, rice, sesame, cherries, and chilies. High-quality Pakistani cotton serves as a crucial raw material for China’s textile industry, with exports totaling approximately $1 billion. Pakistan’s Basmati rice, renowned for its aroma and quality, is a staple in Chinese markets, with exports valued at around $500 million. With increasing demand for sesame oil and products in China, Pakistani sesame has found a robust market, contributing $200 million to export figures. The export of Pakistani cherries to China has opened new avenues for farmers, with trade valued at $100 million. Pakistani chilies, known for their rich flavor and heat, are becoming increasingly popular in China, with exports totaling $50 million. These exports not only strengthen bilateral trade but also provide a stable income source for millions of Pakistani farmers.
In 2023, Pakistan’s agricultural exports to China amounted to a consolidated total of approximately $2.5 billion, a testament to the thriving trade relations fostered under CPEC. The introduction of modern irrigation techniques, mechanized farming, and high-yield crop varieties has significantly boosted agricultural productivity, helping Pakistan meet domestic needs while expanding its export portfolio. This agricultural transformation under CPEC is pivotal for Pakistan’s economy, which heavily relies on agriculture as a cornerstone of GDP and employment
BRI’s impact is not confined to Pakistan; its transformative potential is visible across continents, enhancing livelihoods and fostering development. In Africa, BRI projects have significantly boosted infrastructure and trade. The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya, built under the BRI, has reduced travel time between the two cities from over 10 hours to just 4.5 hours. The railway supports tourism and trade, directly benefiting over 1.5 million people and creating approximately 30,000 jobs. Central Asia’s strategic location makes it a vital part of the BRI network. Projects such as the Khorgos Gateway, a dry port in Kazakhstan, have turned the region into a key logistics hub, enhancing economic diversification and boosting regional GDP by an estimated 1.5%. European countries have embraced the BRI to explore new trade routes and investment opportunities. The China-Europe Railway Express, connecting China to major European cities, facilitates efficient cargo transport, reducing costs and delivery times by up to 50%. This development has enhanced trade volumes, with over 12,000 train trips recorded in 2020 alone.
It’s impact on the lives of ordinary people is profound. By improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and boosting trade, the initiative has lifted millions out of poverty. It has provided opportunities for education, healthcare, and improved living standards, exemplifying a commitment to enhancing human well-being. In Indonesia, for instance, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has created thousands of jobs while promoting technology transfer and skill development. In Sri Lanka, the Hambantota Port development has spurred economic activity, benefiting local communities through job creation and enhanced trade.
Belt and Road Initiative is not just a series of infrastructure projects; it is a transformative vision for global prosperity. It exemplifies President Xi Jinping’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive, cooperative international order, rooted in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. By bridging the gaps between continents and cultures, the BRI fosters mutual understanding and shared growth, offering a model for addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. Its impact on developing economies, particularly through initiatives like CPEC, underscores its potential to uplift millions by addressing infrastructure deficits and promoting sustainable development.
As the BRI continues to expand and evolve, its success will be measured not just in economic terms but in the strengthened bonds of friendship and cooperation it fosters across the globe. In a world where division and conflict often dominate headlines, the BRI stands as a beacon of hope—a testament to what can be achieved when nations come together for the greater good. Through initiatives like the BRI, we are reminded that global challenges require global solutions and that our shared destiny lies in collaboration and mutual respect. As we look to the future, the Belt and Road Initiative offers a vision of a more connected, prosperous world, where the benefits of development are shared by all, and the ideals of peaceful coexistence guide us toward a better tomorrow. As more countries engage with the BRI, embracing its vision of shared progress, the potential for a unified and prosperous global community becomes increasingly attainable. The initiative’s holistic approach to development—combining infrastructure, trade, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability—sets a precedent for future global cooperation efforts. In this interconnected era, the BRI’s legacy will likely inspire similar initiatives, encouraging nations to come together to address common challenges and achieve common goals for the benefit of all humanity.
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