Beijing: Representatives from over 130 countries and 30 international organizations are set to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing from October 17 to 18. The forum aims to showcase the significant progress achieved through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and provide a crucial platform for discussions on high-quality cooperation in various areas, including infrastructure and sustainable development. In a world grappling with geopolitical and economic challenges, this forum is expected to instill confidence and offer momentum for global development. The event will yield substantial outcomes in strengthening international cooperation, demonstrating enthusiasm for the BRI and China’s commitment to openness and global collaboration.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will participate in the forum’s opening ceremony, deliver a keynote speech, and host events for attending guests. The forum’s presence is increasingly visible in Beijing, with posters displayed across the city, and the official website for the event is now online, serving as a source of information about the BRI’s achievements over the past decade.
This third edition of the Belt and Road Forum has become a pivotal multilateral platform for participating countries and regions to assess progress and outline future cooperation plans. It holds added significance as it marks the BRI’s 10th anniversary. With the theme “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity,” this year’s forum anticipates hosting representatives from more than 130 countries and over 30 international organizations. High-level meetings will focus on various aspects of cooperation, including connectivity, green development, the digital economy, trade, people-to-people exchanges, anti-corruption efforts, local cooperation, and ocean cooperation.
The forum’s remarkable participation underscores its global significance, particularly in a complex geo-economic landscape marked by conflicts and economic challenges worldwide. It underscores the commitment of China and participating countries to global cooperation, economic modernization, and mutual benefits from collaborating with China. This confidence is rooted in a decade of noteworthy achievements within the BRI framework, including the inclusion of over 150 countries and 30 international organizations in the initiative. China’s trade with BRI-participating countries has shown substantial growth, reaching $19.1 trillion between 2013 and 2022. The BRI’s inclusiveness is a defining characteristic, making it open to countries and regions worldwide for cooperation and collaboration.
