Cambodian deputy PM says China's decade-old BRI benefits Asia, world

PHNOM PENH -- Ten years on, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has provided significant benefits to the Asia-Pacific region and the world, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth told Xinhua in an interview.

Pornmoniroth, also the minister of economy and finance, said that over the past 10 years, many projects have been executed under the BRI platform in Cambodia, the region and the world.

"At the regional level, the BRI has played a significant role in developing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)," he said. "Aside from Cambodia, other ASEAN member states ... have also reaped significant benefits from the BRI."

Pornmoniroth said the initiative does not create enmity toward any countries nor block their development.

"The BRI also helped with ASEAN connectivity by boosting ASEAN members' infrastructure development in line with the ASEAN Masterplan of Connectivity," he said.

At the global level, the BRI is now regarded as one of the most extensive global infrastructure development strategies. More than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations have signed Belt and Road cooperation documents.

"The BRI connects mainland and maritime routes, which is vital for global cooperation and development and helps foster new engines for economic growth," he said. "Countries and regions along the BRI routes have made noticeable progress in high-quality development, financial integration and people-to-people connectivity."

The BRI, a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was initiated by China in 2013 to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond via the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

The World Bank estimates that by 2030, the BRI will generate 1.6 trillion U.S. dollars in global revenue annually.

"With its guiding principles of extensive consultation, collaborative participation and shared benefits, the BRI has evolved over the past 10 years into a global platform that advances human welfare and prepares the path for peace and development on a global scale," he said.

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