PARIS, Sept. 15 -- The Belt and Road Initiative is "an avenue for advancing inclusive development of economic globalization via a fully open and inclusive vision, in which all economies around the world can participate," said Zeng Peiyan, vice chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), here on Friday.
Inspired by the ancient Silk Road linking the East and the West and dating back over 2,000 years ago, the initiative "is not a geopolitical tool, neither is it a foreign aid program," said Zeng at the BFA Paris Conference.
Instead, he called it a "platform of practical cooperation and an initiative for interconnected development" which aimed at "seeking new growth drivers of world economy, realizing balanced development for universal benefits and bridging the wealth gap."
The Belt and Road Initiative also eyes "to build in the region connectivity of policy, infrastructure, trade, finance and people-to-people exchanges," that according to him, would lead to boosted in-depth economic and trade integration between Asia and Europe.
Zeng noted the Belt and Road Initiative allows to "defuse geopolitical risks such as refugees and terrorism and advancing peace and stability in Asia and Europe," by enabling countries to work together.
In this context, the initiative, "forms a synergy with Junker Plan and development plans of countries along the route, it can effectively drive the growth of underdeveloped areas in Asia and Europe and promote harmony and stability of the whole region," he added.
Over 100 countries in Africa, Europe and Latin America in addition and international organizations supported China's initiative to further promote links between Asia and Europe, however, more work is still needed, Zeng Peiyan told the gathering in Paris.
"We need joint participation of all parties, just as diversified birds and flowers make beautiful spring. The development of the Belt and Road Initiative also needs the active participation of all countries," he said.
"Shared benefits are designed to ensure that the achievements will benefit more people of all countries in a fairer way so as to build a community of common interest and shared future," he said.