Digital platform provides support for B&R Initiative, expert

Digital economy is becoming an important driving force for global economy growth. The construction of a digital Silk Road will provide platform and opportunity for the countries along the routes of the Belt and Road (B&R), according to experts attending a forum held in Beijing recently.

Since the B&R Initiative was proposed in 2013, hundreds of countries and international organizations have actively responded to it and showed their support. The construction of a digital Silk Road is an indispensable part of the initiative.

“Digital Silk Road construction has offered a rare opportunity for ‘Chinese solution’ and ‘Chinese mode’ to enter global stage,” said Sun Jiulin, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, adding that technological innovation transcends the boundaries of country, race and culture. Digital platform is a good carrier for it.

In his view, the construction of a public service platform featuring in multi-language and informatization will help boost the Silk Road spirit of “joint benefits.”

“Digital Silk Road is an extension of the B&R in the cyber space,” said Lu Shan, president of China Center for Information Industry Development, adding that more Chinese enterprises in the electronic information industry are expected to participate in the construction of digital Silk Road. They can not only share their experience in information technology, but also provide support and thus make more countries enjoy the dividend brought by digital Silk Road.