belt road impacts

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi met Bill Gates, Co-Chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Wednesday, reported Radio Pakistan. Speaking during the "Belt and Road Impact" debate of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Prime Minister said BRI is physical manifestation of the bonds between countries that existed through history and Pakistan today is most visible part of the BRI because of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is envisioned to enhance connectivity across continents through infrastructure investment, cultural exchange and technological know-how transfer. BRI passes through countries that generate 40 percent of global GDP and account for 60 percent of the world population. Other panellists in the discussion were Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun, Managing Director Caixin Global, Li Xin, Chief Executive Officer Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev and China National Machinery Industry Corp (Sinomach) chairman, Ren Hongbin, Minister of Singapore, Chan Chun Sing, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AECOM, Michael S. Burke. "It is much more than just a partnership on infrastructure and it will cause significant improvement in lives of people from different countries", Abbasi said. He said the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative was already being felt by Pakistan as new power project were coming up, the country's railway sector was being upgraded, along with new motorways, road structures, besides other infrastructure. Jean thanked the Prime Minister for the support provided by the Government in facilitating VEON's operation in Pakistan and acknowledged Pakistan's successful drive towards digitization. "We believe the Belt and Road Initiative is perfectly in sync with the WEF theme of creating shared future in a fractured world". During the meeting, the PM appreciated VEON's investment, performance, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Pakistan including mobile learning and relief efforts rendered during natural disasters. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said key principles of CPEC projects are financial sustainability and lessening of environmental impact and apart from financial sustainability, these projects are indicative of Pakistan being a more responsible global citizen as far as environment is concerned. The speakers were of the view that the Belt and Road would help bridge the technological gap between the participating countries and would be sustainable. Newburgh Gazette http://newburghgazette.com/2018/01/25/belt-road-initiative-much-more-than-infra-partnership-with/