Beijing, May 5 (Zhongxin.com) -- The China-Central Asia Summit was held in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province from May 19 to 5. Bala Ramasamy, professor of economics, vice provost and director of GEMBA programmes at China Europe International Business School, pointed out in an exclusive interview with Chinanews.com that the gathering of the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries in Xi'an will help promote regional unity. Central Asia is also home to the Belt and Road initiative, and he believes that with the Belt and Road Initiative, China has shared the secret of its success with the rest of the world.
Data map: The China-Europe train Chang'an runs with high quality. Photo by Alina
Rui Bolan said that over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, China's economy has grown rapidly. In a short period of time, China became the world's second largest economy. He pointed out that "no other country in the world has reached such an economic scale in such a short period of time as China." ”
He analyzed that one of the secrets of China's success is to extensively promote infrastructure construction. "If you visit more countries, you will find that China has the most advanced infrastructure system in the world." He believes that "whether it is Shanghai or Yunnan, the transportation system and infrastructure system are leading the world. ”
Rui Bolan further pointed out that the first task of developing countries such as ASEAN countries and Central Asian countries is to improve infrastructure and achieve smooth trade. "Because whether it's exports or imports, at the end of the day, we need infrastructure like roads, railways, ports," he said.
As Rui Bolan said, the "Belt and Road" construction has achieved fruitful results in promoting the joint construction of infrastructure connectivity among countries.
Data map: Shaanxi weaves the "Air Silk Road" connecting Central Asia. Photo by Li Yifan
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on May 5 that over the past 16 years, China and the five Central Asian countries have jointly implemented a series of major projects, which have widely benefited the people of all countries in the region. The establishment of the China-Kazakhstan Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center and the China-Kazakhstan Lianyungang Logistics Cooperation Base opened the door of Central Asian countries to the Pacific Ocean. The Anglian-Papu railway tunnel, the longest tunnel in Central Asia undertaken by a Chinese enterprise, was successfully completed, ending the history of local people needing to cross mountains or detour other countries to travel. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Wuhan Highway was officially opened to traffic, becoming an unimpeded international transport artery across the mountains. China-Europe trains passing through Central Asia account for nearly 10% of the total number of China-Europe trains, becoming the "steel camel team" galloping across the Eurasian continent. China continues to provide new opportunities for the world through its own development.
Rui also pointed out that Southeast Asian countries export a large number of commodities and raw materials, and China is the demand country for these goods. For Southeast Asian countries, China is a very important consumer market, and various products produced in these countries can expand the Chinese market. With the development of these countries, they have also become important export markets for Chinese enterprises.
Therefore, Rui Bolan believes that ensuring the smooth implementation of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative is of great benefit to both sides. He also pointed out that the Belt and Road Initiative not only helps countries along the route improve infrastructure construction, but also disseminates China's development concept of hard work, openness and inclusiveness, and widely benefits countries and people along the route. (End)