Belt and Road Initiative Will Enhance Social and Economic Progress

A Fijian expert says China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will enhance the social and economic progress of the participating countries and bring about the much-needed benefits for the people.

Keshmeer Makun, a lecturer at the University of South Pacific said the BRI has been welcomed by the Pacific countries for social and economic development. Makun said the Pacific island countries need massive infrastructure development and China is helping achieve the same through the BRI.

"China puts no political conditions and tries to meet the needs of the aid-receiving countries. In addition, like any other project, the Chinese-funded projects also go through rigorous market research and feasibility study, so that they not only get the right costing and quality but also bring the preferred social and economic assistance to the people," he said.

Makun explained that the Pacific leaders have found China's assistance desirable. "China has provided large quantity of foreign aid to the Pacific Island countries over the past years. It is evident that China's financial aid and projects have substantially enhanced the social and economic progress of the participant countries and great benefits to the people." The lecturer acknowledged the different voices and concerns about the Chinese loan trap. "For many Pacific Island countries, I think there is only one voice. The fact is that many of the islands lack the physical infrastructure and supply chain logistics which can help them to export in a significant way."

He said considerable infrastructure investments in communications, seaports and airports are required to enhance trade and reduce the high costs of doing business. Makun explained that China's BRI is helping achieve the same and injecting impetus to further cooperation through trade and investment.