09/10/2025
BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE UPSCALING OPPORTUNITY FOR COOPERATION
Location: Kunming, China
China, through the People's Daily Publication in collaboration with the Peoples Government of Yunnan Province and the provincial committee of the Chinese Communist Party- CCP successfully hosted the annual media cooperation on the belt and road initiative with it's key focus on increased cooperation in key sectors
Zambia has been actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) since 2018, with several projects underway. These include infrastructure development, such as roads and energy projects, aimed at boosting economic growth and connectivity as well as offering technical support in key areas of modern mechanization.
The country was, represented by two Media institutions including the Daily Nation in a forum & dialogue that lasted two days in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, focussing on increased media cooperation to enhance boost coorperation between China and countries under the belt and road initiative.
As of 2025, over 140 countries have joined the BRI, including many in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. this year participation was drawn from over a 100 countries with more than 200 participants reflecting Chinas increased investment in mutual growth through engaments with partnering nations.
Yunan Province Governor spoke on behalf of the Chinese people to reassure the provinces readiness to boost relations and trade partnerships in it's way way to continue supporting mutual gains between the African people and the Chinese People.
During a city Visit this writer conversed with locals in Kunming City, to find out what they thought about African countries.
“We have a number of Africans connecting with us online to help supply them with products available for the export market, and in the past it wasn't very common to receive such communication from Africa unless the people from much larger cities like Beijing and Shanghai,” Says Zhong(John) a local restaurant owner.
The growth of foreign traffic in cities outside the traditional Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are signs of Chinas continued openness to the world, “I honestly haven't met a lot of foreigners from Africa here, except those from neighboring countries and European countries, it must mean our friendship keeps growing I know of a friend who is working in Africa.” Said a resident of Kunming.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive global infrastructure development project launched by China in 2013. Its primary goal is to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity among participating countries, covering over 75% of the world's population and more than half of the global GDP.
It pivoted towards Key focus Components such as Six Economic land-based corridors to connect China to Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East through road, rail, and energy infrastructure. Maritime Silk Road, (sea-based route) links China to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe through port development and shipping infrastructure. Digital Silk Road This component focuses on digital infrastructure development, including telecommunications, data storage, and artificial intelligence. Ice Silk Road A proposed maritime route through the Arctic, aiming to reduce shipping distances and times between China and Europe.
By: Kondwani Mapulanga
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