Muhammad Asif Noor
Media organisations in countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative will work together to carry forward the spirit of the Silk Road, strengthen Silk Road friendship, and fulfil the responsibility of contributing to the BRI’s high-quality development, media representatives said.
Representatives from more than 200 media outlets from 75 countries and regions involved in the BRI shared views under the theme “Enhance Media Cooperation for Common Development” at the 2024 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road, which started on Wednesday in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.
Jointly hosted by by China’s flagship media house People’s Daily and the Government of Sichuan Province, the two-day event focuses on the role of media in fostering consensus and gathering collective strengths to promote high-standard Belt and Road cooperation.
The “Belt and Road Media Cooperation: Chengdu Initiative” was adopted at the forum, underscoring the media community’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial engagement.
The document states, “Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), participating countries have prioritized connectivity, leading to enhanced policy coordination, infrastructure development, seamless trade, financial integration, and stronger people-to-people connections. These efforts have bolstered global connectivity, created platforms for international economic cooperation, and stimulated global economic growth.”
Recognizing that the BRI is moving into a new phase, the Chengdu Initiative emphasizes the continued importance of media collaboration in promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
The document further states, “Media outlets in participating countries should embrace the Silk Road spirit of peace, cooperation, openness, inclusivity, mutual learning, and shared benefits. They should commit to the principles of joint consultation, joint construction, and shared gains; disseminate fair, objective, and truthful information; and avoid bias, fake news, and misinformation, aiming to strengthen deeper connections among all parties involved.”
It proposed to harness the collective power of the media to effectively tell BRI stories about common development and mutual benefit, about deepening regional cooperation and improving global governance, and about facilitating mutual learning among civilisations and increasing people-to-people exchanges.
Since the BRI was proposed more than a decade ago, infrastructure connectivity has advanced, the synergy of rules has made progress, and the bonds among people in the countries involved have been strengthened.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), partner countries, by focusing on the main theme of connectivity, have enhanced policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people ties. They have contributed to global connectivity, built platforms for international economic cooperation, and spurred economic growth,” the document reads.
The Chengdu Initiative notes that BRI is entering a new stage of development, and therefore it is necessary to continue using media cooperation for cultural exchange and mutual learning.
“The media of participating countries should uphold the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit. They should adhere to the principle of planning together, building together, and benefiting together; spread fair, objective, and truthful information; avoid bias, fake news, and misinformation; and strive to promote deeper connectivity,” the text adds.
Chengdu, the administrative centre of the Sichuan Province, has been called a paradise since ancient times. It is also one of the ten ancient capitals of China and an important birthplace of the ancient Shu civilization. With such a rich historical significance, the forum in Chengdu also highlighted China’s modernization drive with its robust and rich historical past.
Since its inception in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, has focused on developing global infrastructure networks, reviving the historic Silk Road routes, and supporting numerous projects across participating countries, including the Hambantota International Port in Sri Lanka. The Gawadar Port is the crown jewel of BRI and an important part of CPEC is located in Pakistan thriving with robust development and progress.
The event features parallel sessions on regional cooperation, media dialogue, and cultural development under the Belt and Road framework and an exhibition showcasing the BRI’s achievements.
Additionally, the forum is highlighting the strategic significance of BRI’s infrastructure projects, which include seven major land corridors and maritime routes spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe, facilitating trade and connectivity.
Media delegates will be visiting various BRI projects in Sichuan, gaining firsthand insight into their progress and impact.
The Belt and Road Initiative is projected to substantially boost global trade and economic growth.
The World Bank estimates a 4.1% increase in trade among participating countries, a reduction in global trade costs by up to 2.2%, and an overall GDP growth of 2.6% to 3.9% for developing countries in East Asia and the Pacific.
Additionally, the Centre for Economics and Business Research forecasts that the BRI could contribute $7.1 trillion annually to global GDP by 2040, driving more countries to join this transformative infrastructure initiative.
