In an interview with CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS, Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s BRICS Sherpa, said the “Belt and Road Initiative” has had a great impact on Africa’s development.

“Africa has benefited immensely from China’s “Belt and Road Initiative”, not only in terms of communications, building roads, railways, ports, airports, harbours, but also in terms of industrialisation. A number of free trade zones have been built. And, of course, the “Belt and Road” is not just a connectivity initiative, it is also an initiative to empower people, to share knowledge and build capacity. And we see that in all the partnerships that China has with the African continent”

Anil Sooklal South Africa’s BRICS Sherpa

“We see China sharing technology and empowering the African continent through new technologies, capacity building and skills development and the major infrastructure projects that China has undertaken and thus empowering most African countries. This is why Africa sees China as a true trusted friend. The “Belt and Road Initiative” is an important part of this partnership between Africa and China,” he emphasised.

In addition, the “Belt and Road” goes far beyond individual regions and helps connect the entire global community – from Latin America and Asia to Europe and Africa, added the South Africa’s BRICS Sherpa.

This year marks 10 years since the creation of the Chinese initiative.

Photo: flickr.com