Big data report on Belt and Road progress released

The Belt and Road Initiative has boosted cooperation, trade and corporate competitiveness between China and countries along the route, according to a government report released in Beijing on Thursday.

A data-based report on the progress of the Belt and Road was released by the Chinese government on October 12 in Beijing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Compiled by the State Information Center and published by the Commercial Press, the second annual report also indicated growing interest in local participation, media coverage and academic research as the initiative moves forward.

The report is internationally sourced from 500 billion rows of data from over 200 companies, 800 think tanks and 1,000 media outlets in over 60 Belt and Road countries to assess progress of the China-proposed initiative in eight aspects.

According to the report, cooperation between China and the Belt and Road countries is increasing, with Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Vietnam ranking as the top five partners. Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions have shown increased participation in the initiative, with east China taking the lead and west China demonstrating stronger potential.

China’s uptick in trade with other Belt and Road countries, especially neighboring ones, resulted from supportive infrastructure and policy measures. Chinese companies showed more interest in Belt and Road development and have seen an increased presence along the route, especially those in the construction, manufacturing, finance and internet industries.

The report also outlined the engagement and contribution of various think tanks and media outlets to policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade,financial integration and people-to-people bond.

“The report will be vital for further decision-making on the government and corporate level,” commented Ou Xiaoli, a senior official from the State Council's special working group on the Belt and Road Initiative.