by Joseph Matthews

Twelve years on, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has helped build a more connected global infrastructure network, significantly contributing to the growth of global economy, trade, investment and tourism.

This initiative has provided the most needed connectivity through building thousands of miles of roads and bridges around the globe.

Currently, BRI projects have been implemented across many continents, and in more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations through six overland economic corridors and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The BRI aligns with the heart of Chinese foreign policy, promoting trade and connectivity while underscoring the country's leadership role in global affairs.

It has helped connect the world like a web, where countries are connected with each other through hard and soft infrastructure and where communication, transportation, trade and travel become easier, efficient and inclusive.

Among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies, the BRI has had a transformative impact.

The BRI's emphasis on infrastructure development is particularly beneficial for emerging APEC economies in need of energy systems, digital infrastructure and modernized transportation networks.

China has invested in various projects, including railways, ports and roadways, which have not only enhanced connectivity between APEC members but also stimulated regional and global trade.

By reducing logistical costs and improving access to markets, these infrastructure developments have helped boost economic activity, enhance regional competitiveness, and create new opportunities for businesses, trades, and also for consumers in the Asia-Pacific region.

The BRI's flagship infrastructure projects such as the China-Laos Railway, Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China-Europe Railway Express, Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park, New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, Hungary-Serbia railway, and Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya have been catalysts of regional and global economic and trade growth.

Cambodia, a Southeast Asian country, has benefited tremendously from the BRI since its inception in 2013.

Mega projects in Cambodia, such as the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and hydropower plants, have played and will continue to play a crucial role in boosting the kingdom's economy, trade, investment and tourism.

These projects have helped Cambodia reduce logistical costs, improve competitiveness, and move up the value chain in global trade, aligning with its economic aspirations of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.

All in all, the BRI, together with four other China-proposed global initiatives -- the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative -- has been contributing to the building of a connected world characterized by peace, security, stability, good governance, common development, and shared prosperity.

Editor's note: Joseph Matthews is a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.