Overcoming the impact of the epidemic, the Belt and Road Initiative has injected new vitality into the economies along the routes, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on November 29, noting that infrastructure is the cornerstone of connectivity and a priority area in the Belt and Road construction. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties involved, the Belt and Road infrastructure projects have been implemented in an orderly manner and good news has followed. China is ready to work with other parties to achieve greater and more convenient connectivity for the benefit of people of all countries.

At the daily press conference on the same day, a reporter asked: It is reported that a ceremony was held for the completion of the southern route tunnel under the Kanapuri River in Bangladesh, which was built and implemented by a Chinese company. The tunnel is the first under a river in Bangladesh and the first underwater tunnel in South Asia. What is China's comment?

"The Chinese side congratulates on the completion of the southern line of the tunnel under the Kanapri River." Zhao Lijian said that the tunnel project under the Kanapuri River is an important link of the BCIM Economic Corridor, and the completion of the tunnel on the southern line of the project is another important achievement of the Belt and Road cooperation between China and neighboring countries, which is of great significance to improving local transportation, improving the highway network in Asia and promoting the connectivity between Bangladesh and neighboring countries. When the tunnel is completed, the drive from Chittagong Airport to the industrial park will be reduced from four hours to 20 minutes.

Infrastructure is the cornerstone of connectivity and a priority area for the Belt and Road Initiative, Zhao Lijian said. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties involved, the Belt and Road infrastructure projects have been implemented in an orderly manner and good news has followed. Since the Pelesac Bridge in Croatia, built by Chinese companies, opened to traffic in July 2022, more than one million vehicles have crossed it safely and the bridge is in good working condition. It has truly become a bridge of cooperation, development and friendship between China and Croatia.

Looking ahead, Zhao Lijian said China is ready to work with other parties to better align the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of other countries and regional cooperation initiatives, jointly advance infrastructure construction, and commit to greater and more convenient connectivity, so as to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results for the people of all countries. Editor/Xu Shengpeng