ASEAN needs more Belt and Road money, say ministers

China-led investments needed to assist COVID-damaged economies

20210901 China high speed rail

Chinese high-speed trains are flagship Belt and Road Initiative projects that will dramatically improve connectivity in mainland Southeast Asia.  © AP

CK TAN, Nikkei staff writer

SHANGHAI -- Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations called on Wednesday for more multilateral investments through China's Belt and Road Initiative to support economic recovery while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to depress regional economic growth.

Meeting online at a Belt and Road Summit, ASEAN ministers said the region has benefited from the infrastructure and digital connectivity already brought about by BRI, but new initiatives are needed to create opportunities amid pandemic-induced uncertainties.

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