BRI 'crucial' to spur global development

Initiative helps China raise its level of engagement with other countries

The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping to enhance win-win international cooperation will contribute to global economic growth and promote sustainable development worldwide, said a member of the World Economic Forum's executive committee.

The BRI helps China implement more engaged cooperation with other countries, which will also contribute to the world economy, David Aikman, the forum's chief representative officer in China, told China Daily ahead of the forum's 2020 annual meeting from Tuesday to Friday in Davos, Switzerland.

Aikman expressed concern over the global economic downturn due to heightened uncertainties, saying that this year will likely see a "synchronized slowdown" across the globe due to rising trade barriers and increasing geopolitical tensions.