A Decade of the Belt and Road Initiative: Achievements and Future Prospects

On February 4, the Comparative Public Administration Program hosted a seminar titled "Ten Years of the Belt and Road Initiative," featuring Mr. Alex Wong, CEO of the Maritime Silk Road Society. The event provided a comprehensive overview of the initiative's progress, challenges, and future directions.

Mr. Wong highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative's (BRI) core objectives, emphasizing its role in fostering global development and connectivity. He outlined how the BRI has evolved from a strategic framework to a transformative force, impacting over 150 countries and international organizations. Key successes included infrastructure projects like the China-Laos Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia, which have significantly boosted economic activity and reduced travel times.

During the Q&A session, students engaged actively with Mr. Wong. Sylvia, a student in the program, inquired about the shift in focus from large-scale projects to more localized efforts. Mr. Wong explained that the BRI is now focusing on specific areas to ensure more sustainable and impactful development. Donald, a local student, asked about the potential benefits of the BRI for Hong Kong. Mr. Wong emphasized Hong Kong's unique position as a bridge between China and the rest of the world, highlighting the importance of leveraging its legal and financial expertise. Mr. Wong acknowledged these challenges but stressed the importance of maintaining a strategic focus on long-term goals and mutual benefits.

After interviewing several students and volunteers who attended the seminar, I gathered many insightful reflections. Here are their comments:

"Alex's speech was so interesting. He used real - life cases to show the full picture of the Belt and Road projects. It has deepened my understanding of the policy and made me proud of the achievements China has made through the Belt and Road Initiative. It was a great lecture!" ——ZHANG Yaoyao

"Mr. Alex Wong's speech was very impressive. The sharing of successful cross - regional projects from different countries has broadened my knowledge. The development of the Ice Silk Road has given me a whole new perspective. In the future, the in - depth development of China's Belt and Road Initiative can help China and other countries better adapt to the trend of globalization and meet opportunities and challenges." ——WEN Shiyi

"This lecture has really excited me. I now have a strong curiosity about the new global development pattern. China has become so powerful. Inspired by Alex, I have added learning AI technology to my future plans, hoping to contribute to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative one day." ——FANG Qing

"I really envy Alex for having visited so many countries for research and exchange. I hope one day I can become a civil servant in Hong Kong and work in a related field. I will definitely work hard to achieve that." ——LI Boya

"The infrastructure projects Mr. Alex Wong mentioned in his speech have shown me the great efforts and achievements China has made in promoting global connectivity. I also understand why China is reaching out to help these countries. By helping them, we are helping ourselves and proving our strength." ——CHENG Lu

"Thanks for Alex Wong’s sharing and the invitation from Mohid, I can comprehend how wonderful the BRI project it is. Because of the guest lecture, my personal project has been given more inspiration!"——CHEN Zhengying

Mr. Wong explained the importance of the BRI, specifically discussing Hong Kong as a unique Chinese city and how to apply the BRI, including arbitration centre and the common law system.It is a great opportunity for students to learn about the role of Hong Kong and explore career paths after graduation.——CHUNG Kin Fung

Mr. Wong concluded by urging students to embrace the opportunities presented by the BRI, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and effective communication in a globalized world. The seminar provided valuable insights into the BRI's journey over the past decade and its future trajectory, leaving students with a deeper understanding of the initiative's potential to shape global development and their career prospects within this dynamic framework.