BEIJING – Four talented journalists from various Belt and Road countries were awarded by China’s biggest media outlet for showcasing successful stories of development and enhancing people to people contacts under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Recently, China’s biggest media network CGTN held an essay competition between journalists from B&R countries with a title, “My Story” under BRI.
CGTN had advertised competition on March 16, 2019 and the last date for submission of the articles was fixed as April 5. Journalists from all BRI countries participated in the competition as over 100 youngsters submitted their respective stories from around the world.
CGTN announced results on April 14, 2019, categorizing 18 most influential essays as winners. First prize was claimed by three participants – Oskar Galeev from Russia, Chee Yik Wai from Malaysia, and Ankur Shah from United Kingdom.
The four writers detailed how the BRI has changed lives of the people in their respective countries. They showcased how BRI had positively impacted their country’s trade, economic activity and had generated employment opportunities. Let’s not forget the ordinary people that are at the center of this mega project, the BRI. The four candidates travelled from Russia, Fiji, Uganda and Maldives to attend a live TV show at CGTN.
Senior anchor Tian Wei hosted a discussion with the four winners and two BRI experts including Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined, an international development consultancy based in Beijing, and Andy Mok, a non-resident fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.
Mubarak Mughabo from Uganda shared his story detailing how China’s BRI has contributed immensely to the development of various countries in Africa. He said that in Uganda, a number of infrastructure projects have been launched, including the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway connecting Kampala City to Entebbe International Airport. These projects also generated jobs for commoners. He said BRI offers a win-win cooperation and unlock Africa’s strategic bottle neck.
Lesieli Fonua Talei from Fiji shared her story, detailing how BRI had helped break six-year impasse on a bridge in her country. She noted the bridge means cut in travelling time and helping markets and vendors benefit from the bridge.
Development in the Island nation of more than 800,000 has seen steady growth in recent years, thanks to the assistance provided by China.
Fatimath Saara from Maldives shared her story of a bridge constructed under the BRI. She opined that with the opening of its first cross-sea bridge, a history had been made in Maldives.
She said the bridge has changed people’s lives and businesses, making things much easier for everyone living in the area, as well as those visiting the country.
She mentioned the support and assistance for the Maldivians by China has always directly benefited all residents while relations flourished based on mutual respect and understanding.
