by Liu Qiyu

 

SANYA, Dec. 7 (China Economic Net) - Infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative have created new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship, offering women more opportunities to enter the market and access resources, noted Arya Ali, the First Lady of Guyana, while addressing the 5th Belt and Road Women's Forum on December 7.

 

The 5th Belt and Road Women's Forum, is held in Sanya, Hainan, from December 6 to 8, 2023.

 

The theme of the forum, "She Power: Building and Sharing a Beautiful Life Together," underscored the vital role of women in the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing collaboration and mutual prosperity.

 

During the forum, participants engaged in discussions centering on leveraging technology for a better world, advancing gender equality, and building a family-friendly society for overall health. Like Arya Ali, the First Lady of Guyana, keynote speakers highlighted the unique contributions of women over the past decade of the Belt and Road Initiative and shared insights into the impressive results achieved.

 

They believe that the Belt and Road Initiative represents a new dynamic phase of globalization. This ambitious initiative has facilitated unprecedented infrastructure development, strengthened connectivity, and enhanced cooperation among participating countries. “BRI not only contributes to economic growth but also plays a crucial role in empowering women by expanding opportunities,” pinpointed Li Xikui, Vice President of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

 

As 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, the forum focused on women's education, health, and growth while promoting the spirit of the Silk Road and fostering cultural exchange. The event showcased the significant achievements in women's development in China and enhanced the country's international influence in the field.

 

Co-hosted by CPAFFC, All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and UN Resident Coordinator Office, China, and jointly organized by the People’s Government of Sanya City, China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, and Secretariat of Belt and Road Women's Forum, the forum brought together over 400 participants, including officials, diplomats, scholars, entrepreneurs from Kyrgyzstan, Zambia, Maldives, Nepal, Guyana, Uganda, Mozambique, etc.