By CLEMENT CHALWE

SINCE its inception in October, 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has received an overwarming acceptance globally and it has seen some developmental project starting and finishing within the stipulated time frame.

According to the book (Xi Jinping, The Governance of China II), it clearly shows the initiator and howBRI will be implemented. The book says “China is the initiator and propeller of the Belt  and Road Initiative, but the initiative is not China’s business alone.

Therefore, focusing on China’s own development, it should also welcome other countries to board China’s express train of development and help them realize their own development objectives. We should pay greater attention to the interests of other countries while pursuing our own”.

Under BRI, Chinese companies have built roads, railways, power plants and other infrastructure across the global so as to boost trade and economic growth.

Trade for real is  steadily increasing for Belt and Road corridor economies.

The study estimates that trade will see an increase for 2.8 and 9.7 percent for corridor economies and between 1.7 and 6.2 percent for the world.

This just fulfil what the book further says that “We must identify more areas for converging interests, and give full play to all participating countries.”

This has led to many countries to join the vivid developmental program BRI offers which is been spearheaded by the Chinese government.

The Chinese government has strongly enhance practical cooperation and be excellent partners of mutually beneficial cooperation. The countries of the BRI are spread across all continents.

This includes countries from Sub- Sahara Africa, North Africa, Europe, Central Asia, South East Asia, East Asia and Pacific, Latin America, Caribbean and Middle East.

Head of states and government officials showed their gratitude by gathering in China this year  in October to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the BRI since its inception.

China hosted representatives from over 130 countries across the world and the event was spectacular.

The event was held in Beijing, China, on October 16, 2023. It was based on the theme “High quality Belt and Road cooperation: together for common development and prosperity”.

Chinese government does not want any country willing to join the BRI  to remain behind in infrastructure development that will boost  the trade.

One of the most outstanding moments which inspired the head of states and government official from different countries who were in attendance, were the opening remarks by Chinese president Xi Jinping.

During the opening ceremony President Xi said “win-win cooperation  is the sure way to success in launching major initiatives that benefits all”.

What a wonderful, equity, wise and lovely statement from the head of state spearheading one of the biggest project in the world.

China relationship with countries in BRI across the world enables them to face a unique development opportunity.

It is tirelessly working  with these countries to strengthen trust, friendship and cooperation and enhance common development and prosperity to the benefit of all the peoples.

Zambia is one of the beneficiaries of Chinese programmes.

Railways and other developmental infrastructure which were constructed by Chinese companies are vivid in Zambia.

We have seen the increase of trade after the completion and the functioning of these projects.

The BRI lays a good foundation to pass on the honest and warm relationship from one generation to another.

China is committed to the peaceful development across the countries interested and it does not interfere in their internal affairs neither does it seek to dominate regional affairs or establish any sphere of influence.

I hope more leaders across the world will be able to develop keen interest in knowing more about BRI and the benefit it will bring to their economies.

The BRI is the valuable programme which had has benefiting all human kind from yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.

Together, we can make the trade flow smoothly and see our countries develop and prosper.