Zhou Mingwei: Mutual exchange key to B&R Initiative

Zhou Mingwei, member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. [Photo by Yang Yunpeng/China.org.cn]

Political advisor Zhou Mingwei believes the Belt and Road Initiative is not only significant for China's economic development, but also an important move by the Chinese government in establishing a new pattern of relations with the other countries involved.

Zhou, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China.org.cn on the sideline of the fifth annual session of the 12th National Committee of CPPCC.

"The Belt and Road Initiative will guide China's development for a considerable time in the future," he said. He cited various facts and figures to elaborate on his views regarding the close economic and trade relations between China and various countries around the world.

By the end of 2016, China had established 77 cooperative zones in 36 countries, with cumulative investment of US$24.19 billion; 1,522 Chinese enterprises had been involved, with output value totaling US$70.28 billion, Zhou said.

In addition to China, there are 64 other countries along the Belt and Road, he stressed. In Zhou's opinion, historical and realistic reasons, together with the fact that the official languages of many countries were not generally used languages in the world, had led to very few cultural exchanges between these countries, particularly in the translation of documents and classics. Hence, mutual understanding between peoples was very limited.

Zhou stressed that steady implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative depends on mutual understanding among the media and the people of all countries along the route, and he put forward three suggestions in this regard.

First, to seize opportunities and establish an in-depth database involving public opinion. "This can help us have a better understanding of how the people view China and its Belt and Road Initiative. At the same time, it can improve mutual understanding, and therefore lay a good foundation for the mutually beneficial cooperation in the future," he said.

Second, to strengthen the contacts between opinion leaders, media outlets and think tanks along the Belt and Road. Zhou explained that the people and agencies involved have a responsibility to promote mutual understanding and exchanges between the people and the countries along the route, and their cooperation will definitely play a positive and effective role.

Third, to train high-quality foreign language professionals. Among the 64 countries along the route, 14 countries use Arabic as their official language, five countries use Russian and the rest use less common languages. "Thus, we need to build a team of translation professionals to promote economic and cultural cooperation and exchanges," he said.

Speaking of training professionals, Zhou said the government should take the whole situation into account and plan accordingly, so as to avoid such disadvantages as low-level team building and competition over resources.

In regard to the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held in Beijing this year, Zhou said it would not only be a major diplomatic activity hosted by China, but also an important event to build a new pattern of international relations.