Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attends and addresses the Thematic Forum on Sub-national Cooperation of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 18, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
The Belt and Road Initiative can help improve people's lives and enhance connectivity at the subnational level, officials said.
They made the remarks at a subforum on sub-national cooperation at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held on Wednesday in Beijing.
Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing delivered his opening remarks to the forum, highlighting that two-way investment between China and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative has totaled more than $380 billion, and total imports and exports have reached $19.1 trillion, creating tremendous job opportunities for local people.
Zhang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, noted that more than 1,000 pairs of sister cities have been formed between cities in more than 60 countries taking part in the BRI and many Chinese cities.
"The Luban Workshop, Silk Road Family Initiative, Brightness Action Program and other brand projects have helped improve the sense of happiness and gain for local residents," the vice-premier said.
Filip Vujanovic, former president of Montenegro, said that the BRI has provided competitive financing and created more than 400,000 jobs for locals.
"The BRI has proved to be a very great development opportunity that has emerged over the past decade, and it represents a rare development opportunity for the countries involved, as well as for the regions in which they are located," he said.
Alireza Zakani, mayor of Teheran, Iran, stressed the role of the BRI as a crucial platform for intercity communication.
"Currently, cities are faced with challenges in environment, security and transportation. The BRI can facilitate the interactions and experience sharing among cities, so advanced technologies can be applied to solve problems in cities worldwide," the mayor added.
In recent years, the establishment of platforms like the Belt and Road Sustainable Cities Alliance has amplified development opportunities for cities in developing nations, promising a brighter future.
"As cities are important for modern civilization, connectivity of cities promoted by the BRI will promote mutual respect and understanding among different civilizations," he said. "This will help create a peaceful and beautiful future for the whole world."
