How can Asia leverage China's pragmatic measures to jointly implement the Beltand Road Initiative and further promote regional connectivity?

ZHAI Jingli

Deputy CEO, Sinar Mas PaperInvestment Co., Ltd

Since its inception, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has not only been an important platform for promoting regional connectivity but has also invigorated international cooperation and development. As an Indonesian pulp and paper company that's rooted in China and has global operations, Sinar Mas APP has actively participated in the BRI and gained valuable experience. To further promote regional connectivity, Asian countries can take the following steps:

Hard connectivity. Deepening infrastructure cooperation can build a solid foundation for connectivity. Infrastructure projects under the BRI framework such as railways, roads, ports, and energy facilities have significantly improved trade conditions and the efficiency of regional logistics. Projects like the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have not only enhanced regional transportation networks but also provided strong support for industrial connectivity. Asian countries should continue to deepen cooperation and prioritize cross-border infrastructure projects to lay a solid foundation for regional economic integration.

Soft connectivity. Promoting digital and financial connectivity can stimulate new engines of regional economic integration. Digital connectivity is a key path for inclusive development across regions. Asian countries should strengthen cooperation in areas like 5G, data centers, and fiber-optic networks, coordinate crossborder data flow regulations, and foster the development of e-commerce and digital trade. Digital technologies can help industries better integrate into the global value chain, enhancing their international competitiveness.

Financial cooperation is also the lifeblood of connectivity. A diversified financing mechanism can provide critical support for regional economic integration. Asian countries should further deepen financial cooperation, expand financing channels, and encourage private sector involvement in BRI projects through publicprivate partnerships to attract more social capital. They should also promote regional currency cooperation and financial regulatory coordination to enhance the stability and resilience of financial systems and provide solid financial support for industrial connectivity.

People to people connectivity. Strengthening communication can enhance people-to-people trust and regional cohesion. Asian countries should increase exchanges in talent, academia, education, and other fields to cultivate high-quality industrial talent teams. Governments and businesses should communicate more, engage in more dialogue, learn more from each other, and collaborate more to address industry challenges, share development opportunities, and ensure the long-term sustainable development of connectivity projects.

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原标题：《Guest Q&A|ZHAI Jingli: Three Paths to Regional Connectivity》