BEIJING: “China’s foreign trade in 2023 exceeded 41 trillion RMB in total import and export, with a year-on-year growth of 0.2%. Notably, trade with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) shows a growth rate of 2.8%, further highlighting the robustness and potential of the BRI,” said Zhou Hanmin, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC) and President of the Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association.
During this year’s Two Sessions, the National People’s Congress (NPC) and CPPCC, Zhou Hanmin expressed optimism about the progress of BRI and the trade relations between China and the participating countries.
In his proposal, he suggested implementing specific measures aimed at expanding the export of agricultural products from Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, with a particular emphasis on the Least Developed Countries.
Least developed countries (LDCs) is a classification used by the United Nations (UN) to identify and categorize countries that exhibit the lowest levels of socio-economic development. The designation of LDC is based on three primary criteria: low income, weak human assets (such as education and healthcare), and economic vulnerability.
“At last year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE), I noticed that nearly one-third of the participating countries were LDCs that maintain close and friendly relations with China, consistently offering significant support in international affairs. This year, I proposed that we must provide more assistance to the exports of goods from these countries,” Zhou said, suggesting the establishment of a special exhibition zone for the Least Developed Countries at CIIE, enhancing attractiveness through concentrated exhibitions.
Zhou stated that China has complementary industrial and resource relationships with 43 LDCs that have joined BRI.
“We should analyze China’s import data for food and agricultural products from these countries and identify their advantageous varieties. China has a wealth of expertise in agricultural products, seafood, fruits and vegetables. –Agencies
