The survey encompassed 12 Belt and Road partner countries from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania, and included Brazil, a BRICS member state. Conducted in 12 languages, including English, Arabic, Russian, Kazakh, and Turkish, the survey of 11,000 adults was conducted via online surveys, telephone interviews, and face-to-face interactions.
Historically, the Silk Road connected regions in Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and China, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges. Today, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues this legacy by promoting joint development and prosperity among countries along the Eurasian and African routes. This modern initiative fosters a harmonious and prosperous environment, reminiscent of the connectivity and cooperation symbolized by the ancient Silk Road.
The BRI aims to build and upgrade roads, railways, ports, airports, and other infrastructure to improve connectivity and reduce transportation costs. By enhancing physical links, the initiative seeks to facilitate smoother trade and travel among participating countries.
The initiative focuses on stimulating economic development through increased trade and investment opportunities. By opening new markets and creating economic corridors, the BRI fosters economic growth in participating countries.
Promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges is a key objective of the BRI. These exchanges aim to foster mutual understanding and cooperation among diverse populations, enhancing international relationships.
A crucial goal of the BRI is to secure access to natural resources and energy supplies necessary for China's growing economy. By partnering with countries rich in resources, China aims to ensure a stable supply of essential commodities.
The BRI seeks to expand China's influence and strategic presence on the global stage. By building strong economic and diplomatic ties with participating countries, China aims to enhance its geopolitical standing.
The BRI involves significant financial commitments, with Chinese banks and companies investing in various projects around the world. Over 140 countries have signed agreements or expressed interest in participating in BRI projects, though the level of involvement and benefits vary widely. However, the initiative faces challenges, including concerns about debt sustainability for participating countries, environmental impact, and geopolitical tensions.
The GTI survey revealed that a significant majority of respondents were familiar with the BRI. Compared to other international initiatives, the BRI received higher optimism ratings, surpassing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the European Union's Global Gateway strategy. Vietnamese respondents demonstrated the highest awareness at 87%, with those from Laos and Indonesia also showing strong agreement with the BRI's core concepts.
Laotian respondents strongly endorsed the BRI's efforts in poverty alleviation and green development, both at 95%. Indonesian respondents largely agreed with the initiative's focus on increasing technological investment for resource efficiency, with a 91% approval rate. Pakistani respondents echoed this sentiment, citing poverty alleviation, while Saudi Arabian and Turkish respondents emphasized green development.
Muhammad Zamir Assadi, an editor at Internews Pakistan, highlighted the transformative impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship BRI project. CPEC has reshaped Pakistan's economic landscape, attracting foreign investment and international attention. Assadi noted that Middle Eastern countries have expressed interest in investing in CPEC, further bolstering Pakistan's economic growth. Personally, he credited the BRI for enhancing his professional skills and career opportunities, allowing him to play a significant role in Pakistan's media industry.
The survey indicated strong public confidence in China's future efforts to promote the BRI. Respondents supported deepening cooperation and viewed the joint construction of the BRI as a crucial avenue for China to fulfill its international responsibilities. Many expressed a desire for more countries to join the initiative, with nearly half of the respondents favoring US participation. Notably, 70% of Brazilian respondents supported their country's involvement.
Long-term sustainability of BRI projects remains a priority, with respondents emphasizing infrastructure cooperation. Over half of the participants expressed interest in infrastructure projects, while approximately 40% anticipated collaboration in ecological, health, education, and daily life sectors. In Pakistan, there is a keen focus on agriculture, industrialization, railway infrastructure, medical and education advancements, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Sound international relations hinge on strong ties between peoples. At the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October 2023, China announced plans to bolster BRI-related initiatives, including 1,000 small-scale livelihood projects. Over 70% of survey respondents expressed enthusiasm for participating in projects that enhance their quality of life, with significant interest in Kenya, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Cultural exchanges are a vital component of the BRI, complementing infrastructure efforts. Respondents expressed willingness to engage in cross-border tourism and cultural activities, explore traditional Chinese medicine, and participate in educational exchanges. Such exchanges have gained traction on social media, with foreign YouTubers showcasing their experiences in China.
Respondents were optimistic about the BRI's potential to narrow the international wealth gap and promote global development. Many hoped for enhanced mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and a fairer world order. Despite criticisms labeling the BRI as "neocolonialism" or a "debt trap," 72% of respondents rejected these claims as baseless or biased, recognizing the initiative's tangible benefits.
Wang Youming, director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, attributed public confidence in the BRI to its substantial achievements over the past decade, which have positively impacted local economies, employment, and livelihoods.
