BRI's long-term momentum sound despite delays, analysts say

Progress on the Belt and Road Initiative may experience short-term delays from the COVID-19 pandemic, but its long-term momentum will be sustained and even strengthened with multibillion-dollar projects from Latin America to South Asia underway.

The impact of the outbreak in countries around the world is very visible. Similarly, projects in nations participating in the BRI have been slowed by lockdowns and travel restrictions. However, these short-term setbacks are unlikely to derail projects with horizons spanning years.

"We expect infrastructure projects to be delayed due to weaker financial sentiment and supply chain disruptions, but strong demand and a pipeline of projects continue to point to a post-crisis rebound," Jangping Thia, manager of the economics unit at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, told China Daily.