Zhou Guomei (second-left), from the Chinese Ministry of Environment, holds a press conference at the 10th-anniversary celebration of China’s BRI in Beijing from October 17-18. VONG DARAVADY
A senior Chinese official has said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as One Belt One Road (OBOR), has played a pivotal role in advancing the growth of developing nations, including Cambodia and other member countries. This comprehensive policy has made significant contributions across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure development.
Zhou Guomei, from the Chinese Ministry of Environment, noted the positive impact of the initiative at the 10th-anniversary celebration of China’s BRI in Beijing from October 17-18. More than 100 member nations, including Cambodian government leaders, attended the event.
She highlighted the BRI’s primary objective to foster development among its member countries and forge robust development partnerships across all domains, regardless of political affiliations at an October 16 press conference.
She underscored that the BRI aligns with principles of sustainable and inclusive development, promoting unity and mutual benefit between Beijing and its partner nations.
“Every project under the [OBOR] Initiative is meticulously designed to consider all implications. Our sole aim is to facilitate development and achieve fruitful outcomes for our partner countries,” Zhou stated.
She said that numerous ASEAN nations, including Cambodia, Laos and Indonesia, as well as regions such as Central Asia, Africa and Latin America, along with more than 100 other partner countries, have actively supported and benefited from investments in high-speed rail infrastructure and other import-export sectors.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), highlighted that many foreign states have endorsed and reaped benefits from the initiative, which primarily concentrates on enhancing trade infrastructure in partner countries, guided by China’s unwavering commitment to all member nations, regardless of their political affiliations.
He said that Cambodia, among other ASEAN nations, has reaped substantial rewards from the BRI. This includes extensive developments in infrastructure, including highways, bridges and the establishment of special economic zones, enabling efficient exports to China.
Laos and Indonesia, within the ASEAN group, have similarly enjoyed infrastructure development projects through the initiative, he added.
