BRI: Navigating to a Global Community of Shared Future

Since ancient times, humanity has recognized the need for interconnection and cooperation to shape a shared future. Centuries ago, the historic Silk Road facilitated communication and trade between civilizations in Asia and Europe. As we entered the 21st century, the global community again recognized the importance of fostering collaboration for a better future. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) emerged as a blueprint for this shared future through an aim to revitalize the Silk Road by creating networks of trade, transportation, and infrastructure projects. Its goal is to establish a prosperous and cooperative global community where all nations can thrive. The year 2023 marks the10th anniversary of the introduction of the BRI and its vision of building a global community of shared future. This milestone represents China’s ambitious commitment to fostering global cooperation and inclusive development. The BRI has played a crucial role in improving transportation links, empowering communication and cultural exchange, and unleashing transformative potential for generations to come. This initiative has been instrumental in creating new connections and economic corridors across various regions including Central Asia, Black-Caspian Seas and Caucasus regions, Mediterranean-bordering states, and particularly the Central-Eastern-Baltic region of the European Union. These efforts have promoted regional integration, facilitated economic growth, and strengthened bonds among nations.

The BRI envisions a world characterized by shared global development and presents a wide range of opportunities for participants and the global community as a whole. It is often regarded as truly monumental and grandiose due to its transformative potential in terms of global development. Its five pillars—policy coordination, connectivity of infrastructure and facilities, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and closer people-to-people ties—outline the key areas where it can bring significant changes. Over the decade since its launch, the BRI has been progressively realizing its transformative potential and goals, playing a vital role in promoting economic growth, regional cooperation, and transportation and infrastructure development in participating countries.

The significance and transformative role of the BRI can be substantiated by analyzing the statistics and facts associated with its implementation. For example, in 2022, BRI finance and investments reached US$67.8 billion, and investments as a share of BRI engagement reached record levels at 48 percent, up from 29 percent in 2021 and at an average of 40 percent, according to China Belt and Road Initiative Investment Report 2022 released by the Green Finance & Development Center of the Fanhai International School of Finance at Fudan University in Shanghai. The report calculated China’s financing and investment as spread across 54 BRI countries in 2022, with 26 countries receiving investments and 47 construction engagements. The country with the highest construction volume in 2022 was the Philippines, followed by Argentina and Indonesia. On BRI investment, Hungary was the single largest recipient, followed by Saudi Arabia and Singapore. This substantial investment was allocated to development of communication, transportation, and infrastructure. The establishment of exclusive economic zones and corridors spanning three continents has further underscored the BRI’s impact. These corridors not only stimulate economic growth but also foster connectivity between different regions and countries along the historic Silk Road routes.    

In South Asia, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a crucial role in Pakistan’s economic growth and development by facilitating transportation and infrastructure projects. It consists of multidimensional investment in areas ranging from infrastructure development, energy, special economic zones, and oil pipelines to development of Gwadar Port and Gwadar City as well as associated facilities. According to Pakistani official reports, 27 projects have been completed so far while 63 projects will be completed by 2030. CPEC projects have mostly been proceeding according to schedule outside a few hurdles.

Similarly, in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has emerged as a key participant in the BRI and witnessed significant development and growth. China and Kazakhstan have opened seven permanent border crossings, five cross-border oil and gas pipelines, two transnational railway mainlines, and one international border cooperation center. The China-Kazakhstan Lianyungang Logistics Base has provided Kazakhstan access to the Pacific Ocean. Likewise, given Kazakhstan’s strategic location as a natural transit point, the BRI has facilitated interconnectivity through projects such as the China-Kazakhstan Railway and the Khorgos Gateway, among others.

And in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has also experienced notable growth and development under the BRI. For instance, Indonesia boasts the world’s third most BRI infrastructure projects, trailing only Cambodia and Pakistan. These infrastructure investments have supported various development projects including the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project, which has not only created jobs during construction but also fostered greater regional integration. Situated in Southeast Sulawesi Province of Indonesia, Virtue Dragon Nickel Industry Park is a demonstration of economic cooperation between China and ASEAN members. The industrial park alone has paid impressive sums of taxes to the local government, created nearly 40,000 jobs for local residents, and generated numerous opportunities for local small businesses.

Finally, Ethiopia in Africa stands as another noteworthy case that exemplifies the development achieved under the framework of a shared future through the BRI. Ethiopia’s participation in the BRI has been highlighted by projects such as Hawassa Industrial Park and the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway. These initiatives have played a crucial role in overcoming trade barriers and promoting cross-border trade between Ethiopia and other states in the region. The improved infrastructure, transportation, and communication facilitated by the BRI have created favorable conditions for foreign investment and business activities in Ethiopia. The country has experienced enhanced connectivity and increased opportunities for economic growth as a result of its involvement in the initiative. The BRI has contributed to Ethiopia’s efforts to create a conducive environment for trade, investment, and regional cooperation, aligning with the vision of a shared future and fostering mutual benefits among participating nations.

These individual cases and their accompanying statistical data provide compelling evidence that the BRI is actively working towards building a global community of shared future. Through its focus on promoting global inclusiveness, interconnection, and cooperation, the BRI is fostering greater integration among nations. By reviving historical trade routes and fostering interconnection between countries around the world, the BRI is transforming the economic, social, and political landscape. Its ultimate goal is to build a more connected and prosperous global community that is well-equipped to overcome challenges such as climate change, poverty, and underdevelopment. The first decade of the BRI has marked a successful start in building a global community of shared future in which infrastructure development translates into economic and social prosperity for participants. Looking ahead, as the BRI continues to progress, it wields the potential to kindle positive and transformative changes on a global scale.

The author is founder and executive director of the Islamabad-based Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development.