安永-开放共融，“一带一路”建设稳步发展（英文）-2021.4-9页_1mb

Summary of Economic Opening and Inclusion Enabling Steady Development of the Belt and Road Initiative

Core Content

The document outlines the economic development and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2020, highlighting the role of economic opening and inclusion in driving sustainable growth. It emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, digitalization, green development, and health cooperation in the context of post-pandemic recovery and global economic trends.

Main Points and Key Information

Economic Development Overview

• In 2020, China's non-financial outward direct investment (ODI) increased by 2.6 percentage points from 2019.
• Announced overseas mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by Chinese enterprises decreased by 3.3 percentage points from 2019.
• New EPC contracts signed with B&R countries amounted to US$141.5 billion, a year-on-year (YOY) decrease of 8.7%.
• Total merchandise trade between China and B&R countries reached US$1.35 trillion, a YOY increase of 0.7%, representing 29.1% of China's total merchandise trade with the world.

Key Development Aspects

1. Promote Infrastructure Connectivity

   • Infrastructure projects in rails, ports, and energy are crucial for forming a new global network.
   • Major BRI projects made progress in 2020, including the China-Laos Railway, China-Thailand Railway, and the Lahore Orange Metro Line.

2. Build the Digital Silk Road

   • Focus on 5G, big data, AI, cloud computing, and blockchain.
   • Promote integration of digital technologies with traditional industries.
   • Encourage smart city, smart education, and e-commerce development.

3. Build the Green Silk Road

   • Reduce carbon emissions per unit of GDP.
   • Promote renewable energy projects (wind, hydro, solar).
   • Advocate for greener and low-carbon lifestyles.
   • Green financing is growing rapidly in China, with green loans and bonds ranking first and second globally, respectively.

4. Build the Health Silk Road

   • Address public health challenges exposed by the pandemic.
   • China provided anti-pandemic assistance to over 120 B&R countries and regions.
   • Promote medical cooperation and vaccine sharing as global public goods.
   • The National Development and Reform Commission supports Chinese medicine development in the B&R region.

Trade and Investment

• Cross-border e-commerce grew by 31.1% in 2020, with exports increasing by 40.1%.
• China established 105 cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones.
• China signed e-commerce cooperation agreements with 22 countries.
• Four of the top ten merchandise trade partners with China in 2020 were in the B&R region.

Financial Integration

• The Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) was established in June 2020 to support B&R infrastructure projects.
• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) administers the MCDF.
• Green financing is a key component of BRI development, with plans to allocate half of AIIB funds to climate financing by 2025.

Policy and Cooperation

• China continues to support multilateralism, aligning with the BRI's "joint discussion, joint contribution, shared benefits" principles.
• The Belt and Road Cooperation Roadmap with the African Union was signed in December 2020, marking the first BRI document with a regional international organization.
• China has signed 205 B&R cooperation documents with 140 countries and 31 international organizations as of February 2021.
• China reached 7 free trade agreements with 13 B&R countries and is negotiating with 10 others.

Educational and Human Resources Cooperation

• China has established educational cooperation with 188 countries and 46 international organizations.
• Agreements for mutual recognition of academic qualifications were reached with 54 countries.
• The BRI International Institute for Green Development and 33 joint laboratories were set up to support educational and technical exchange.
• Plans include promoting Chinese-language education and developing international public educational products through innovation and technology.

Outlook for Quality BRI Development

• Quality development of the BRI aims to align the development agendas of B&R countries and regions for mutual progress.
• EY highlights the potential of cross-border e-commerce and green financing for future growth.
• The document stresses the importance of multilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of medical, digital, and environmental development.

Conclusion

The BRI continues to play a vital role in fostering economic development and cooperation, especially in the post-pandemic era. Through infrastructure, digital, green, and health initiatives, China aims to promote sustainable and inclusive growth, leveraging its economic strength and technological capabilities. The emphasis on multilateralism and international collaboration reflects a strategic approach to global economic recovery and long-term development.