Former political leaders of the Global South emphasized the important role of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for the stability of global trade in the face of rising protectionism. They called for further deepening of high-quality cooperation that promotes openness, connectivity and shared development.
These political figures, who gathered at the annual meeting in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, are members of the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The meeting emphasized that partners involved in the Belt and Road construction should defend common interests, international justice and equity, and uphold the multilateral trading system and international economic order. Erastus Mwencha, former vice-president of the African Union Commission, said Africa’s participation in the BRI has brought significant gains in terms of mutual benefit, resilience and equitable integration into the global economy. “Tensions and tariffs threatening trade norms also present an opportunity for BRI partners to reinvigorate the initiative and deepen cooperation,” Mwencha said. He also emphasized that Africa must continue to view the BRI as a catalyst for inclusive growth and global economic cooperation. Mwencha said that cooperation in the digital economy and artificial intelligence should be prioritized within the Belt and Road framework.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202505/17/WS6827e3b3a310a04af22bff3f.html
