China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) envisions a world where developing countries no longer struggle to access global markets, where infrastructure seamlessly connects nations, and where economic growth is not a distant dream but a present reality. Over the years, public opinion has played a crucial role in validating the BRI’s vision.

Recently, the Global Times Institute (GTI) conducted an international survey. The participants were from 13 countries practically involved in the development process of the BRI. It has explored the very famous and historical Silk Road with all its attractions of connectivity and the legacy of prosperity.

The survey has presented the opinions of the global community that is fully in agreement with the efforts of China in helping their countries on the path of sustainable development and economic vibrance. More than 75 per cent of the respondents agreed with the concept and practice of the BRI on sharing poverty alleviation experiences, improving resource efficiency, emphasizing green development, and other aspects. 80 per cent believe that the initiative could bring more opportunities to developing countries.

The survey is a true reflection of the joint and meaningful consultation between China and the BRI partner countries that has transformed the socio-economic landscape of the countries involved in this mega development initiative as per their domestic interests.

Since the launch of the BRI, the people of different countries, regions and continents have come up with similar ideas about the development that is free of any geo-political strings. The survey showed that over 90 per cent of respondents expect the BRI to bring positive effects on the world. These effects include making countries more united, promoting cultural interaction, and providing successful experiences.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has emerged as the flagship project of the BRI which has also pushed up the new avenues of long-standing relationship between China and Pakistan. The GTI survey showed that 63 per cent of Pakistani respondents know CPEC.

Since its inception, CPEC has always remained on the top in the policy framework of both countries. It has continuously contributed to the realization of Pakistan’s national development goals and is a practical manifestation of Pakistan’s pivot to geo-economics.

Over the past decade, this transformational project has become a tangible reality. It has already helped improve the economic indicators of Pakistan. It has propelled Pakistan’s infrastructure development by laying a strong energy and road infrastructure for the subsequent development of industry, agriculture and human resources.

Located just before the entrance of the strait of Hormuz, the Gwadar port in the Balochistan province is a trademark project under the CPEC. When fully operational, the port will become one of the largest deep-sea ports in the region.

For Pakistan, CPEC presents an unprecedented opportunity to fundamentally enhance its economic framework. Through improved connectivity, infrastructure upgrades and deeper regional integration, the economic initiative will benefit Pakistan. The project has done substantial economic uplift by reducing poverty and expanding market access.

So far, Pakistan has secured an investment around $26 Billion in energy and infrastructural projects. This mega developmental project has directly or indirectly generated more than 236,000 jobs for local citizens and added over 8,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. About 1,656 kilometers of road infrastructure has been built and 886 kilometers of power transmission lines installed.

China’s investment in Pakistan has been instrumental in boosting the country’s foreign direct investment. It has also helped in attracting other international investors to the region. Through the strategic position of CPEC, businesses seek to capitalize on growth opportunities.

The development now seems to be turned from a grand blueprint into a foreseeable reality as different stages of development of CPEC have carried their own distinct sequential development characteristics.

The survey also showed that 85 per cent of Pakistani respondents support deepening cooperation under the BRI. At this very important point, CPEC is entering into its second phase of development. The people on both sides, belonging to various sectors, have set their goals to expand the scope of this mega initiative for the ultimate benefits of both nations on the path of prosperity.

The Belt and Road Initiative has become a major force in global development. It encompasses connectivity and growth across various regions. With strong public support, the BRI continues to create shared prosperity. As it grows, it promises to deepen international ties and drive sustainable progress in the years ahead.

Muhammad Zamir Assadi

The writer is editor China desk with Internews Pakistan and media fellow of China International Press and Communication Centre.