By Xu Wei | China Daily |
Xi made the remarks in a video message to congratulate the opening of a business forum in Astana, Kazakhstan, that commemorates the fifth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.
In the message, Xi extended his warm congratulations for the opening of the forum, hearty thanks to Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev, and sincere regards to forum guests. He wished the forum great success.
Xi said BRI has received wide attention from the international community and positive responses from countries taking part in it.
In September 2013, Xi suggested in a speech at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan that China and Central Asia cooperate to build a Silk Road Economic Belt. It was the first time the Chinese leadership had mentioned the vision. Later that year, in a speech at the Indonesian Parliament, Xi proposed constructing a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The two later became known as the Belt and Road Initiative.
Xi noted that the policy coordination among many BRI countries is being reinforced continuously, and implementation of major economic and trade projects has been accelerated. The infrastructure connectivity network is taking shape, and cooperation in industries and finance is being pushed forward steadily.
People-to-people exchanges among various countries are even closer, and the initiative has brought concrete benefits to people of different countries, he added.
Xi said the joint building of BRI has seen fruitful outcomes.
He said that following the concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, China is ready to work with countries including Kazakhstan to build the Belt and Road into a road of peace, prosperity, openness, innovation and civilization to make greater contributions to benefiting people of various countries and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
