Dina Al-Amood | Staff Writer
BEIRUT, Jan. 23 – The League of Academics in the North hosted the head of the Silk Road Institute for Studies and Research, Warif Kumayha, to discuss the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and how Lebanon has benefited from the initiative since joining in 2017.
The BRI is a vast infrastructure and economic development project led by the Chinese Government beginning in 2013. The Belt component stands for The Silk Road Economic Belt, a system of railways, highways, and pipelines connecting China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Meanwhile, the maritime Road component aims to link China to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe through a network of ports, shipping lanes, and other maritime infrastructure. This will facilitate the movement of goods and people across the region, stimulating economic activity.
The seminar, held in Tripoli, highlighted the historical background of China’s support for Lebanon. Kumayha, who is also president of the Lebanese-Chinese Dialogue Road Association, recalled the 62 million U.S. dollars donation from the Chinese government to construct the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music. He adds, “Qian Minjian, Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, announced that China will donate solar panels to Lebanon to support the solar energy generation for state-owned telecommunication centers.”
Furthermore, Kumayha said the BRI has built many economic corridors that will contribute to job creation and economic growth in Lebanon. He notes, “Many promising opportunities can be worked on jointly between China and Lebanon. China can help Lebanon in many fields and sectors that could benefit both sides.” Beyond BRI, trade exchange platforms, such as the China Import and Export Fair and the China-Arab States Expo, have played a crucial role in fostering economic ties and business opportunities for Lebanese enterprises.
The seminar also touched on China’s contribution to the 2006 South Lebanese peacekeeping operations by sending their expertise and tools for medical assistance, mine clearance, and reconstruction. According to Kumayha, “China sent 20 batches of peacekeeping forces, including more than 7,000 individuals.”
The mission of the seminar was to promote stronger Sino-Lebanese diplomatic relations and goodwill. This was attempted by stressing China’s role in boosting Lebanese economic activity. Looking ahead, the future of the relations between the two nations seems to be marked by increased economic cooperation, further strengthening China’s ties to the Middle East.
Sources:
http://english.scio.gov.cn/m/beltandroad/2024-01/12/content_116936512.htm
https://english.news.cn/20240123/1d5e09d3b90b459d8dd3565e33f93ee2/c.html