China-Nepal Media Cooperation
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is now a decade-old initiative. Within a decade BRI has made remarkable strides and has become a symbol of China’s evolving foreign and regional policies in the modern era.
The trade volume of goods between China and BRI countries has exceeded a staggering five trillion U.S. dollars. Moreover, Chinese outbound foreign investments in BRI countries have exceeded 60 billion U.S. dollars, creating over 200,000 local jobs. This achievement, coupled with the vision of building a “community of shared future for mankind” (CSFM), underscores the BRI’s status as a tangible testament to China’s global contributions.
The BRI’s core focus on policy, infrastructure, trade, financial, and people-to-people connectivity, collectively known as the “five connectivities,” is pivotal to comprehending the initiative holistically.
Policy connectivity serves as a foundational element, recognizing the importance of sovereign states in international cooperation and governance. The BRI places great emphasis on voluntary cooperation based on shared interests and values. Effective policy coordination among participating nations is imperative, fostering regular information exchange and policy consultation, as exemplified by the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Infrastructure connectivity is at the heart of the BRI, reminiscent of the ancient Silk Road’s essence of connecting trade partners. Robust infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, and telecommunication networks, facilitates trade, investment, economic growth, and regional integration.
Trade connectivity promotes free trade as a cornerstone of the BRI, echoing the principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO). China, as the world’s largest trading nation, is committed to maintaining and strengthening trade relations with its partners, including BRI countries.
Financial connectivity is likened to the lifeblood of the real economy, crucial for BRI international cooperation. The establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Silk Road Fund has filled the funding gap for Asian infrastructure projects.
People-to-people connectivity is indispensable for the long-term success of the BRI. Promoting exchanges at all levels and across various fields, including education, scholarships, and joint research, fosters mutual understanding, cultural identity, and common values.
In conclusion, the Belt and Road Initiative, with its focus on the “five connectivities,” seeks to create a more interconnected, prosperous, and harmonious world through collaboration, infrastructure development, trade, finance, and cultural exchange.
A Moving Story of Pakistani model of BRI Assimilation
The heartwarming Pakistani experience of Sheikh Noman Munir’s battle against malaria vividly illustrates one of the most significant achievements of the BRI. In the Kahuta District of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, residents once grappled with the daunting challenge of accessing proper medical care, often with tragic consequences. The need to travel to larger cities for treatment led to delayed medical attention and loss of lives. However, the transformation brought about by the China-Pakistan Karot project, a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, has been nothing short of miraculous.
The China-Pakistan Karot project, as the first hydropower investment endeavor under the BRI, extended its reach beyond energy production. It played a vital role in the establishment of essential public health facilities, including the THQ Hospital. This transformational development has effectively eliminated the threat of malaria in the region, bringing newfound hope to the local community.
Noman Munir, a shop owner in the district, and his wife had their lives disrupted by his sudden contraction of malaria. However, thanks to the presence of the THQ Hospital and the efficient healthcare services it provides, Noman received a timely diagnosis and treatment that ultimately saved his life. Beyond the restoration of his health, Noman’s journey to recovery also revitalized his outlook on life, strengthening his bond with his wife and creating a more resilient and hopeful community.
This remarkable story exemplifies how the BRI has positively impacted the lives of people in the region. It has not only provided access to critical healthcare but has also instilled newfound optimism for a healthier and brighter future. The THQ Hospital, as a testament to the BRI’s commitment to improving the well-being of local communities, has laid a solid foundation for further development and prosperity in the district.
This heartwarming episode, directed and co-produced collaboratively by talents from both China and Pakistan, underscores the enduring spirit of cooperation and shared benefits that underlie the BRI.
Note- This video is part of ‘Rising with Pride- CGTN docuseries’- Editor
