Xi hails Belt and Road's growth from 'sketch' to reality

China's president promises 'small yet smart' projects as initiative turns 10

20231018 xi jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Oct. 18, marking the 10th anniversary of his signature global infrastructure initiative. © Reuters

CK TAN, Nikkei staff writer

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said future Belt and Road Initiative projects will be "small yet smart" as well as market-oriented, signaling a shift in the decade-old initiative often criticized for contributing to debt distress in developing countries.

In a keynote address to foreign leaders and businesspeople in Beijing, Xi proposed to enhance connectivity by integrating ports as well as maritime and land routes between Asia and Europe.

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