As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enters its 10th anniversary, its tangible outcomes and future plans have been highly regarded by people around the world.
In an exclusive interview with China News Network, Anouar Chetoui, Chief Representative for the Tunisian Tourism Office in China, says that the Belt and Road Initiative has become a transformative force fostering global economic development, and he is optimistic about the Tunisia-China cooperation within the BRI framework.
"The Belt and Road Initiative has made significant progress over the past decade, and has become a transformative force," Chetoui said, noting it has facilitated infrastructure development connectivity, enhanced cultural exchange and contributed to global economic growth.
Chetoui said the world faces various changes, and the BRI will continue to play a pivotal role in international cooperation and can serve as a platform for sustainable development, environmental protection and mutual prosperity.
Chetoui underlined the vital role of BRI in fostering economic and trade development in developing countries. Raising Africa as an example, he said the BRI has facilitated economic diversification, improved transportation networks, and increased access to global markets, as well as encouraged technology transfer and knowledge sharing. "So the BRI serves as a bridge for economic collaboration, helping nations leverage their comparative advantage and achieve sustainable development," he indicated.
Chetoui also listed plenty of cooperation projects in the case of his own country, Tunisia, especially in economic development. "BYD now has representatives in Tunisia. And we have the Hospital of Sfax and diplomatic institutes built by China," Chetoui noted, "So Tunisia greatly values the partnership with China, and the cooperation is increasing now between the two countries under the BRI."
"China's leadership in cutting-edge technology presents exciting opportunities for the BRI by integrating digitalization, big data and AI into the Initiative," Chetoui explained when talking about China's contribution in technology areas while promoting the BRI, "Countries can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of various projects by optimizing logistics, improving connectivity and ensuring the sustainable management of infrastructure."
"Moreover, technology cooperation under the BRI can promote innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing, benefiting participating countries," said Chetoui. After staying in China for five years, Chetoui also witnessed many changes, especially in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. "It's good for nature and sustainability. In Tunisia now, we are collaborating with Chinese companies to install these kinds of technologies in the Tunisian car industrial sector,"Chetoui added.
When talking about BRI's accomplishment in cultural and civilization exchanges, Chetoui thinks "the BRI emphasis on people-to-people exchanges has been pivotal in strengthening mutual understanding among nations, and it has also facilitated academic collaboration, student exchanges, and cultural events, promoting cross-cultural learning and appreciation."
Therefore, Chetoui said "it's crucial to continue supporting educational and cultural initiatives" to "celebrate the diversity of participating countries, build stronger bonds and promote lasting friendship."