An endless journey stretches across the vast land and sea; a glistening bronze work lies and witnesses the passage of time. More than 2,000 years ago, Zhang Qian ventured into the Western Regions, introducing Europeans to a dream-like East. A decade ago, the Belt and Road initiative opened a new gateway, connecting the ancient with the present, bridging the East and the West.
Since 2013 when China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, nearly one trillion dollars in investment and 420,000 jobs have been created for participating countries, lifting nearly 40 million people out of poverty. By the end of June 2023, the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s plan, has provided a platform for more than 75% of countries worldwide and 32 international organizations.
Chinese standards, technology, and equipment are making their way into the participating countries. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor connects the land and maritime Silk Roads, while the China-Laos Railway creates the "Golden Corridor." The Zhengzhou-Luxembourg "Green Air Silk Road" gives wings to the "Air Silk Road" with its environmentally friendly approach.
From 2013 to 2023, and into the next decade, the millennium-old Silk Road continues to extend forward, heading towards a shared dream and future for mankind.
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