Belt and Road Initiative offers new development mode to world: Expert

BEIJING — The Belt and Road Initiative is a new inclusive developing mode guided by the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, CPPCC National Committee member and international studies expert Zhang Yunling said during a recent exclusive interview with Xinhuanet.

China is to host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing from May 14 to May 15.

So far, more than 20 heads of state and government including Russian President Vladimir Putin, over 50 leaders of international organizations, 100 ministerial-level officials, as well as 1,200 delegates from various countries and regions will participate in the forum.

The forum aims to build consensus and reach agreements on major cross-regional projects through consultations, Zhang said.

The global economy has been mired in a prolonged recession since the global financial crisis in 2008.

According to Zhang, the sluggish recovery of world economy is mainly because the original growth mechanism through which the developing countries produce and developed countries consume fails to sustain.

The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed to help adjust the imbalance in development and therefore promote growth in world economy, Zhang explained.

In terms of the security and political risks during the implementation of the Initiative, Zhang maintained that risks are inevitable, but we should brave the difficulties and solve the problems in action.

There are two ways to cope with risks: One is to integrate these risks into a holistic planning; and the other is to build a security cooperation mechanism, he introduced.

"For instance, there may be obstacles in building roads and transportation, which can not be addressed by a single country. To jointly build a security mechanism may work, " Zhang said.

"The Belt and Road Initiative connects Europe, Asia and Africa via land and sea. It's impossible to build highway, high-speed railway and communication networks in a day. We must prepare for long-term efforts," Zhang added.

The Initiative, in Zhang's view, represents a new developing mode and direction.

"Land-sea connection under the Belt and Road Initiative is a further step in strengthening the opening-up policies. It will not only contribute to China's development, but also to coordinated regional development," said Zhang.

Scholars from the countries along the Belt and Road also speak highly of the initiative, Zhang noted.

"An Iranian professor said that the Initiative is a developing mode that quite differs from the Western ones. If it works, it will offer a new feasible choice to the world," Zhang mentioned.