A colorful ribbon that weaves through time and space, uniting the world; a symphony of integration, reflecting inclusivity and creating harmonic resonance; an initiative that sustains a thousand-year-old friendship, steering humanity towards a better future with the principles of harmony, symbiosis and mutual prosperity.

In the ten years since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed, it has evolved from an idea to action, from a vision to reality, with its accomplishments and influence spreading to every corner of the world. President Xi Jinping, in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, stated, “Over the past decade, we have remained true to our original mission, hand in hand, propelling the ‘Belt and Road’ international cooperation from concept to robust development, achieving abundant outcomes”.

Behind these successes stand numerous enterprises that actively shoulder responsibilities and lead the way. They provide vital support for the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and contribute their intelligence and strength for the welfare of people across various nations. China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) is a proud member of this group.

Advising Policy, Applying Research:

Facilitating the Belt and Road’s Journey from Plan to Reality

With deep thought for long-term strategy and decisive planning before action, as a leading national think tank and a central state-owned enterprise engaged in comprehensive engineering consultation, the CPC China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) Party Committee sprang into action upon the announcement of the Belt and Road Initiative by President Xi Jinping in 2013. The company has committed itself to serving the joint construction of the Belt and Road, an important part of its duty as a central enterprise specializing in intellectual services. It has mobilized its finest resources, concentrating on its core responsibilities and business, serving the overarching goals of the Party and the nation, playing the role of a counselor and utilizing its integrated specialized advantages to aid the Belt and Road Initiative in progressing from a strategic concept to practical implementation, from a blueprint to tangible reality.

Centered on the Belt and Road Initiative’s infrastructure development, industrial layouts and production capacity cooperation, CIECC actively engages in policy consultation and has conducted a series of studies on the China-Laos Economic Corridor, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, China-Thailand Railway Cooperation, overseas cooperation zones, production capacity cooperation with Ethiopia, and the development of Gwadar Port, thereby underpinning the government’s scientific decision-making.

Throughout the Belt and Road Initiative’s evolution, from policy research, drafting bilateral and multilateral cooperation plans, and demonstrating significant projects, to project management and final acceptance, CIECC has delivered a continuous stream of intellectual contributions, offering strategies and solutions, and has completed over a thousand consulting tasks. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including domestic and international governments, financial institutions and enterprises, promoting “hard”, “soft” and “heart-to-heart” connectivity by continually providing its expertise.

Over the last decade, alongside the Belt and Road Initiative’s transition from grand strategic strokes to meticulous detail-oriented planning, CIECC has always been steadfast in offering strategic advice to the Communist Party of China, undertaking responsibilities for the nation, and working for the welfare of the people. It serves not just as a technical backbone for government’s decision-making but also as a dynamic participant in Sino-foreign economic and trade cooperation. The company has not only successfully supported the construction of world-renowned mega-projects like the Grand Inga Dam in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Laos-China Railway and the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, but has also helped realize numerous “small yet beautiful” initiatives. As a specialized team within the central enterprises practicing the Belt and Road Initiative, CIECC stands as a refreshing force in the joint construction of a shared global civilization, providing all-around support and services from theory to practice for the stable and far-reaching development of the Belt and Road.

Evaluating Scientifically, Innovating Models:

Establishing a Solid Base for Hard Connectivity

“Where roads go, industries thrive”, the essence of jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative is centered on the “hard connectivity” of infrastructure. Bridges that connect hearts, ports that cultivate prosperity, and roads that pave the way to well-being are being extended across nations, bringing fresh vitality to global interconnectedness and collective progress.

Leveraging its advantage as a forerunner and practitioner of the “assess first, decide later” approach, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) actively engages in policy consultancy and project management centered around the Belt and Road infrastructure construction. The company is dedicated to advancing an all-encompassing, multi-faceted and networked “hard connectivity”, collaborating with peoples from various countries to create a magnificent tableau that connects the world in a shared vision of beauty and communal well-being.

——Embedding All-China Elements, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway Project Consultation Forges New Mutually Beneficial Cooperation.

Ethiopia, situated at the heart of the Horn of Africa, boasts a rich history and expansive territory, and is also the host of the African Union headquarters. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway (abbreviated as the Addis-Djibouti Railway), traversing Ethiopia and linking to the port of Djibouti, stretches for 752 kilometers. It is the first fully electrified standard-gauge railway in Africa to carry both passengers and freight, and is completely equipped with “Chinese elements”. This railway represents a hallmark of the trilateral collaboration between China, Ethiopia and Djibouti under the Belt and Road Initiative, and it is vital for propelling the economic advancement of Ethiopia, Djibouti and the broader East African region.

Construction of the Addis-Djibouti Railway commenced on February 12, 2012, achieved full track linkage by July 12, 2015, and began operations on January 1, 2018. Throughout the project — from feasibility analysis to construction management — China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) provided comprehensive consulting services, playing a pivotal role in the successful realization of the project. The company imparted a valuable technical legacy to Ethiopia’s railway construction through a series of management innovations, standardization efforts and technical assistance.

In the feasibility study phase, CIECC facilitated communications patiently among various domestic and international stakeholders to standardize the technical specifications along the entire line. This set a solid foundation for the project to adopt Chinese technical standards, equipment, funding, construction, management and operational maintenance in its entirety.

With a broad scope and considerable complexity, the project’s engineering management covered all the professional areas of railway construction — including the subgrade, bridges, stations and the quadruple (four electrification systems) — and spanned all phases from construction to commissioning and trial operation. The CIECC project team managed each aspect with meticulous attention to detail, embodying the company’s tenets of fairness, scientific approach and reliability into contract management, planning, capacity building, risk management and progress control. During the design review process, the company rigorously scrutinized the overall layout of the facilities and any design changes to ensure the highest quality. In the locomotive supervision phase, the technical teams conducted thorough reviews of the locomotives’ traction performance and adaptability modifications, dispatched engineers for factory supervision, managed on-site locomotive acceptance, and assisted the owner in creating standard documents for acceptance management and project transfer.

The project was significantly challenged by adverse natural conditions, a lack of local resources, and seasonal rainfalls that imposed great challenges to the work. The project team overcame these difficulties, completing their tasks with distinction and aiding the Ethiopian side in establishing its first railway project design review, supervision and acceptance systems — thereby filling a critical gap and training a substantial number of local railway construction management and engineering personnel, establishing a foundation for the nation’s railway transportation sector.

Proximity is redefined by connectivity, even across thousands of miles, roads make neighbors. Thanks to the untiring collective efforts of CIECC and other Chinese contractors over the years, the operational and management standards of the Addis-Djibouti Railway have steadily risen, with annual increases in traffic and revenue, and its importance in Ethiopia’s national economy has grown. With the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Ethiopia, and the fresh opportunities brought by Ethiopia joining the BRICS organization, the Addis-Djibouti Railway’s development potential is set to be further tapped, accentuating its role in regional economic development.

——Turning Landlocked Disadvantages into Hub Strengths, the China-Laos Railway Embodies the Shared Aspirations of Both Nations, Crafting Splendor Across the Terrain.

The Lancang-Mekong River, a continuous flow; the China-Laos Railway, a unifying track.

On December 3, 2021, a grand ceremony marked the opening of the Boten to Vientiane section of the China-Laos Railway. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of China, highlighted in a video meeting with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, that the China-Laos Railway epitomizes high-quality Belt and Road Initiative cooperation. China aspires to collaborate with Laos and other countries along the route to foster a more cohesive Belt and Road partnership, and together, work towards the vision of a shared human destiny.

The China-Laos Railway is the inaugural transnational railway predominantly funded and co-operated by China, and integrated with China’s railway network. The railway originates in Kunming, Yunnan Province, stretching to the Lao capital of Vientiane, covering a distance of 1,035 kilometers. With a design speed of 160 kilometers per hour, it is designated as a first-tier electrified railway.

Endowed with the mandate from the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce, the China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) has played a comprehensive role throughout the China-Laos Railway’s construction process. The corporation engaged in extensive deliberations on various elements, including rail traffic volume, technical standards, construction approaches, project financing and economic returns. Their high-caliber advisory recommendations were incorporated into government resolutions. Additionally, CIECC contributed to post-construction project management and studies on integrated development planning along the route, imparting its expertise and vigor to the railway’s operational success and the prosperity of the surrounding regions.

CIECC Engineering Management Consulting Co., Ltd., a key subsidiary of CIECC, officially assumed supervisory duties for over 80 kilometers of the Laos section of the China-Laos Railway in October 2016. This segment comprises 18 tunnels, 25 bridges, 26 culverts, one new passenger station and five passing stations. The team overcame numerous hurdles such as rugged terrain, complex landscapes, seasonal rains, challenges of remote construction and the COVID-19 pandemic. After a relentless five-year endeavor, they successfully fulfilled their mission, weaving intellect and labor into this “path of happiness” that binds China and Laos.

Meanwhile, bearing the responsibility as a central state-owned enterprise, CIECC also took charge of the full-process management of the Laos Railway Relocation Village Project and the construction of rural poverty alleviation facilities in Laos. Zhou Yan, who leads the rural poverty alleviation facility construction project management team in Laos, was deeply touched by the positive changes the assistance brought to local lives and the heartfelt gratitude of the Laotian people. “Villagers, concerned we might get lost, guided us up the mountain to find water sources and assisted in transporting materials. They applied herbal remedies to protect us from mosquitoes. They said, ‘China helped us access water and electricity; these small deeds are the least we can do in return’. The relentless efforts of the aid workers led to the relocation village’s completion, which received high praise and was honored with a certificate of recognition from the Laotian government. As a participant, my pride is profound.”

——Crossing Borders, Battling Epidemics, Delivering Comprehensive Transport Plans for Cambodia with Satisfaction.

Cambodia, historically known as Khmer, is a nation along the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” and has been one of the earliest participants and implementers of the Belt and Road Initiative. In June 2017, the Chinese and Cambodian governments officially signed an agreement for the overall planning project of the transportation sector in Cambodia. This project, benefiting over 16 million people in Cambodia, is a replication and export of China’s successful experience in national economic and social development planning. It also exemplifies China’s systemic advantage in mobilizing resources to contribute to the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity.

In February 2018, entrusted by the Agency for International Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce, the China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC), as the only domestic consultancy capable of providing comprehensive planning services for all six transportation sectors — rail, waterborne, civil aviation, maritime, highways and logistics — undertook the task of drafting the comprehensive transportation master plan and six specialized plans for Cambodia, involving an integrated layout of routes, hubs and networks.

This was CIECC’s inaugural national-level comprehensive transportation planning project outside China. The company mobilized its elite forces, forming six thematic groups, and organized more than 60 domestic industry experts to conduct on-site research in Cambodia’s Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, among other places. Over a period of more than 20 days and thousands of kilometers traveled, they gathered essential transportation data by visiting key infrastructures like railway lines, transportation arteries and ports. They also engaged with dozens of Cambodian government departments, regulatory bodies, and Chinese companies in Cambodia to gain insights into local transportation planning and logistics demands. Specifically, to obtain an in-depth understanding, the research team braved high temperatures and treacherous roads to survey remote villages, earning respect and thumbs-up from villagers aware of their dedication.

Over the course of four years, the project team ceaselessly engaged in two-way communication, investigative research, analytical discussions, specialized training and report writing. Particularly during the three challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic, many members went against the grain to continue their work on site in Cambodia. Unfazed by the risk of infection or disruption to their return journeys, they persevered and ultimately delivered a high-quality master plan.

In September 2022, the Supreme National Economic Council of Cambodia sent a letter of appreciation, stating that the completed plan would significantly influence the guidance of Cambodia’s transportation infrastructure development, enhance the country’s international openness, and further integrate it with the broader Southeast Asian context. The plan is anticipated to aid Cambodia’s economic growth and improve the welfare of its citizens, steering the transportation and logistics sectors towards a healthy and sustainable future.

——Extending Aid over Distances, Assisting the People of Nepal in Times of Need, Realizing the Vision of the National Glory Projects.

On November 8, 2023, two Y-20 Kunpeng transport aircraft of the Chinese Air Force, bearing the first batch of emergency humanitarian aid materials from the Chinese government for Nepal’s earthquake relief efforts, landed at Pokhara International Airport, which was constructed by Chinese companies.

Pokhara International Airport is a flagship project under the China-Nepal Belt and Road cooperation and stands as a testament to Nepal’s National Pride Projects. Before this, Pokhara was served by a small domestic airport built in the 1950s, which had outgrown its capacity to accommodate the increasing influx of international tourists. The Nepalese government had envisioned a new international airport in Pokhara since the 1970s but was unable to initiate construction due to financial constraints. In 2017, with the support of China-Nepal collaboration, the groundbreaking for Pokhara International Airport was finally realized.

Commissioned by The Export-Import Bank of China, the China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) provided consultation and assessment for the project’s feasibility study. Given the limited local geographic conditions which allowed for only a 2,500-meter runway, CIECC’s team of experts conducted thorough demonstrations and adhering to modern standards and the principles of safety, economy, and utility, put forth an optimized plan that was both reasonable and executable.

The airport commenced formal operations on January 1 of this year. On the morning of June 21, a direct flight from Chengdu to Pokhara operated by Sichuan Airlines successfully touched down at Pokhara International Airport. This was the airport’s first international flight, and it also represented the first direct flight service from China to a Nepalese city other than Kathmandu. For many years, international visitors to Pokhara had no choice but to transit through Kathmandu. Although the straight-line distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is merely about 150 kilometers, travelers previously had to spend five to six hours traversing bumpy mountain roads to reach their destination.

“This is a project that the people of Pokhara have been yearning for over many years”, expressed Shrestha, the Nepalese engineer for the Pokhara International Airport project, with a sense of fulfillment. He conveyed that since his father’s generation, the aspiration to construct a modern international airport in Pokhara has been a longstanding dream of the locals, a dream that has now been brought to fruition with China’s assistance. The CIECC experts have been integral members of the team that made this dream a reality.

Tackling Challenges, Delivering Efficiency:

 Removing Roadblocks in Energy Development

President Xi Jinping said, “The establishment of hydroelectric, wind and solar power stations, coupled with the construction of oil and gas pipelines, and the development of increasingly sophisticated and intelligent power transmission network, has removed energy scarcity as a developmental bottleneck. This enables the dreams of developing countries to pursue green, low-carbon development to shine brightly, becoming oases and lighthouses of sustainable development in the new era”.

The collaborative building of the Belt and Road Initiative is not only a pathway to economic prosperity but also a conduit for energy development. In the past decade, China has overcome geographical hurdles to deepen international energy cooperation with countries participating in the initiative and numerous landmark energy projects have been launched into operation.

Enduring winds and rains for a decade, and tirelessly cultivating for the same, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) has leveraged its unique role as a strategic advisor and its exceptional consulting capabilities to provide intellectual backing for the execution of energy projects aimed at foreign aid. This support has rapidly turned an array of blueprints into reality.

——With Mature Technology, Advanced Planning, and Strong Practicality, Consultancy Services Boost the Power Enhancement Project in Gambia’s Greater Banjul Area with Efficacy and Strength.

The insufficient electricity supply has long been a significant bottleneck constraining the economic and social development of Gambia. The advancement of electricity infrastructure has garnered high attention from the Gambian government and various sectors of society. In March 2023, commissioned by the China International Development Cooperation Agency, CIECC began the feasibility study for the power enhancement project in the Greater Banjul Area of Gambia.

The company sifted through the proposals put forth by the Gambian side for an electricity enhancement plan covering the entire Greater Banjul Area, and defined the project construction details to combine both the refurbishment of existing lines and the building of new ones. The focus was set on upgrading the most critical commercial load zone lines and core transmission lines in the Greater Banjul Area, aiming to resolve severe power supply issues affecting residents along the lines, such as worn-out conductors, reduced load capacity, overloaded lines and frequent outages. The construction of new lines prioritized electrifying densely populated areas that lacked electricity access and aimed to enhance the national electrification rate.

During the investigation, CIECC thoroughly researched and validated the compatibility of Chinese standards with those of Gambia, winning recognition from the Gambian side to adopt Chinese standards for the project. CIECC provided a set of construction plans that were technically sound, economically viable, advanced and highly implementable.

It is understood that the proposed project will not only effectively elevate the standard of Gambia’s electrical infrastructure, but also strengthen the power supply capabilities for significant structures in the Greater Banjul Area, improve the stability of electricity supply in core urban areas, and enhance the electricity access rate in Gambia. This will allow more citizens to enjoy the benefits and convenience brought about by widespread access to electricity.

Recently, the Gambian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy sent a letter of gratitude to CIECC, expressing high praise for the advanced and scientific solutions proposed by the company. This recognition has facilitated the signing of the meeting minutes and achieved important interim results for the project.

——Exploring the “City in the Sky”: Scaling Mountains, Plunging into Mines, On-Site Assessments Aid the Bolivian Concentrated Zinc Electrometallurgical Project in Securing Preferential Loan Evaluations, Enhancing Sino-Bolivian Symbiosis.

Bolivia, located in South America, boasts rich energy and mineral resources and is one of the world’s largest reserves and exporters of zinc concentrate. China is the world’s largest processor of zinc metal and the largest importer of zinc concentrate. The zinc smelting project cooperation between China and Bolivia not only helps to consolidate the strategic partnership between the two countries but is also of great significance for ensuring the security of China’s strategic resources and for promoting Chinese technical standards to the world.

In May 2022, the China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) received a commission from the China International Development Cooperation Agency to assess the “Bolivian 150,000-ton-per-year Zinc Concentrate Electric Zinc Project” for a possible concessional loan. The CIECC quickly assembled an expert team to engage in video discussions with Bolivian parties on key issues such as the scale of the mine, project location and investment budget. On October 27, the team traveled to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. Known as “The City in the Sky”, La Paz has an average elevation of nearly 4,000 meters, making it the highest capital city in the world.

Confronted with severe altitude sickness and the challenge of a 12-hour time difference, the team members persevered, conducting multiple rounds of discussions with the Chinese Embassy in Bolivia, Chinese-funded enterprises in Bolivia, and several Bolivian government departments. They conducted on-site visits to factories and workshops to thoroughly understand the capabilities of the enterprises in smelting technology and environmental governance.

To make an accurate assessment of the ore source’s reliability, team members descended 600 meters into the mine to conduct on-site inspections. They obtained detailed project data and provided scientific assessment opinions: utilizing aid funds to implement the zinc smelting plant project would help Bolivia achieve its industrial development objectives, serving as an important lever to actively promote Sino-Bolivian diplomacy and to strengthen the strategic partnership between China and Bolivia. The Bolivian side had done considerable preliminary work for the construction of the smelting plant, and there was a substantial foundation in terms of raw material supply, owner capability and infrastructure, which provided a certain level of feasibility for the project.

The professionalism and dedication displayed by the CIECC investigation team during their work won high recognition from the Chinese Embassy in Bolivia and Bolivian government departments. While en route back to China, the team received a letter of commendation from the Chinese Embassy. During a press conference, the Bolivian Minister of Mining and Metallurgy introduced the work of the Chinese investigation team in Bolivia and expressed strong confidence in the future of the zinc factory project.

——Confronting Challenges, Unfazed by Hardship, the Laos Potash Development Project’s End-to-End Consultation and Management Services Charge Toward the Finish Line.

In December 2022, as a key enterprise serving the Belt and Road Initiative under CIECC, CIECC Engineering Company Limited undertook the full-process consulting services for the 1 million tons per year potash fertilizer project at the Phonxai-Nongbok Mining Area in Laos, managed by Sino-Agri International Potash Co., Ltd.

On January 24, 2023, which coincided with the third day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the project team’s initial group of members arrived at the site. To overcome challenges such as a tight schedule, heavy workload, harsh construction conditions, and inadequate local support, the team members dedicated themselves, working tirelessly and rotating through various construction sites to maintain a strong presence on the construction frontline. At present, all staff are fully committed to achieving the target of commencing trial production by December 15, 2023.

With the support of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese-invested potash enterprises in Laos are poised to develop into a “ballast” for China’s domestic potash fertilizer supply, contributing to the stabilization of supply and pricing.

——CIECC Supports Chinese Contractors, the Cameroon Sanaga Water Supply Project Channels the “Essence of Life” to the People of Africa.

Water, the wellspring of life, is notoriously scarce in Africa, especially when it comes to water treatment infrastructure. In Cameroon, known as the “granary of Central Africa”, the availability of water resources is overshadowed by the lack of such infrastructure, leaving many without clean drinking water. The capital, Yaoundé, and the country’s second-largest city, have had their urban development significantly hampered by water supply issues.

The question is, how can urban water supply capacity be improved? Supported by China, the Cameroonian government has initiated the construction of the Sanaga drinking water treatment plant and its accompanying infrastructure. The project includes a 62-kilometer-long transmission main and has a capacity of 400,000 tons/day. Upon completion, it will supply water to Yaoundé and the surrounding regions, becoming Africa’s largest water treatment infrastructure.

Commissioned by the Export-Import Bank of China, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) has fulfilled the feasibility study consultation for the Cameroon Sanaga Water Supply Project. Recognizing the company’s professional expertise and commitment, the Chinese contractor responsible for the project has engaged CIECC to provide comprehensive technical services throughout the construction process.

The magnitude of such a project comes with predictable challenges. On the technical front, the project’s water transmission pipelines and pump stations present complex and uncertain construction solutions due to local natural conditions. From a management perspective, CIECC must handle technical coordination with both Cameroonian stakeholders and French supervisors on behalf of the contractor while also liaising with subcontractors, equipment suppliers, material suppliers and other relevant entities. This entails extensive, multilayered tasks and significant responsibility. The implementation of advanced international management practices also places high demands on consultancy competence and management standards. Regarding construction conditions, the site’s camp is located in a rural area with facilities that provide only basic necessities, where rampant mosquitos and the prevalence of infectious diseases are commonplace.

Nonetheless, CIECC personnel, fueled by the unwavering resolve to “construct the largest and finest water plant in Cameroon and bring health, convenience, and development to the local populace”, have risen to the challenge with relentless determination. Project team members have steadfastly maintained their posts abroad, overcoming numerous obstacles with intellectual acuity and selfless commitment. The construction of the water plant is essentially complete, and the days of water scarcity in Yaoundé are nearing an end. Once treated and purified, the waters of the Sanaga River will offer an unending supply of the sweet and pure “source of life” to the local community.

Investigating Systematically, Arguing Comprehensively: Promoting High-Quality Growth in Overseas Economic and Trade Cooperation Zones

President Xi Jinping said, “Modernized airports and seaports, unobstructed roads, and swiftly emerging economic and trade industrial parks have spawned new economic corridors, sparked new growth drivers, and have become the thoroughfares and stations of commerce in the new era”.

In the past decade, driven by the Belt and Road Initiative, the construction of overseas economic and trade cooperation zones has progressed swiftly. These zones have become a key node for advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, a vital platform for international production capacity cooperation, and a shining “business card” for enhancing bilateral relations.

Over the past decade, the China International Engineering Consulting Corporation has capitalized on its status as a leading national think tank, continuously contributing its intellectual prowess and strength to assist in the high-quality development of overseas economic and trade cooperation zones.

——With Persistent Dedication, Seven Years of Consecutive Assessments of Overseas Economic and Trade Cooperation Zones Contribute to Their High-Quality Development.

Looking back to 2006, when the idea of overseas economic and trade cooperation was just emerging, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC), serving as an advisor for the CPC and government decision-making, participated in this top-level design. The company conducted extensive research, policy consultation, and industrial layout demonstrations, providing intellectual support for the government in formulating “go global” policies. In 2008, commissioned by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance, the company undertook evaluations on various aspects of overseas cooperation zones, such as approval procedures, planning contents, construction progress, use of funds and management of the zones. It developed the Implementation Manual for the Confirmation and Assessment of Overseas Economic and Trade Cooperation Zones, and has updated it annually.

Since 2012, the company has been engaged in research on the development and layout of the zones within the international context, offering extensive consultation and suggestions on aspects such as the distribution of industrial types, guidance on construction scale and sustainable development models. In 2015, CIECC’s research and suggestions regarding the development models of overseas cooperation zones received high recognition from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. In 2016, the company assisted the Ministry of Commerce in planning the layout of overseas cooperation zones based on global industrial development and basic environmental construction.

For seven consecutive years, CIECC has carried out assessment work on overseas economic and trade cooperation zones, establishing an evaluation system and promoting central fiscal funding support for Chinese enterprises in 20 cooperation zones across 14 countries. It has completed planning and research for more than ten zones, including the China-Hungary BorsodChem Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone and the Indonesia Tsingshan Industrial Park. The company’s consultancy work on the China-Belarus Industrial Park has not only clarified institutional mechanisms and optimized management policies but also exported and promoted the industrial park’s construction, development concepts and management experience.

In 2016, under the leadership of the National Development and Reform Commission’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Chinese Secretariat, a group of Chinese experts led by CIECC was established to provide intellectual support and comprehensive consultations for China-Pakistan industrial and park cooperation. Despite challenges, the company conducted thorough research from the high-altitude Gilgit border to terrorism-prone Balochistan, traversing the entire Pakistani territory. They engaged deeply with various levels of the Pakistani government and businesses, offering strategic advice for local development, sharing China’s experiences, and contributing CIECC’s solutions.

——Uniting Multiple Functions, the “One Park, Multiple Centers” Model in the China-Europe Business and Logistics Cooperation Park Propels High-Quality Progress of the China-Europe Freight Train Service.

Upon assisting the government in designing and formulating national policies, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) has successively provided full-process consulting services for various overseas cooperation zones. These services encompass master planning, feasibility studies, industrial consultation and policy guidance. The company’s innovative ideas have sparked in the construction of the China-Europe Business and Logistics Cooperation Park, an important node for the China-Europe freight trains.

To promote the high-quality development of the China-Europe freight trains, CIECC suggested the “One Park, Multiple Centers” model for the China-Europe Business and Logistics Cooperation Park. This model combines functionalities such as commodity exhibition, transport, warehousing, distribution, delivery, information processing and circulation processing into one integrated system. Consequently, the park has established a rapid, convenient and unimpeded distribution network that spans major cities in Europe and China, laying a solid foundation for constructing a comprehensive, multimodal logistics transportation network that connects China and Europe by land, sea, and air.

Over the past ten years, the number of China-Europe freight train services has increased from 80 in 2013 to 16,562 by 2022, a 207-fold increase. There have been more than 78,000 trips in total, transporting over 4.7 million TEUs of goods, with a combined value exceeding 340 billion USD. The “One Park, Multiple Centers” approach has played a significant role as a vital hub in the high-quality development of the China-Europe freight trains.

In the collaborative construction of the Belt and Road infrastructure connectivity, the China-Europe freight trains have become the “golden route” reaching into Europe. President Xi Jinping, in announcing the eight actions of China’s support for high-quality Belt and Road construction, called for accelerated advancement of the high-quality development of the China-Europe freight trains. CIECC will also continue to lend its expertise to the China-Europe freight trains, helping to weave a new Silk Road narrative.

——From Concept to Reality, the China-Indonesia “Two Countries, Twin Parks” Initiative Takes Root and Flourishes.

China and Indonesia are separated only by a narrow strait, making them close neighbors. As an innovative project under the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Indonesia “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project not only establishes a new platform for economic and trade cooperation between China and Southeast Asian nations but also creates a replicable and scalable model for deepening regional cooperation in Southeast Asia. From its initial conception to its realization, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) has provided comprehensive consulting services throughout the process.

At the end of 2018, the Fujian CIECC Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd., — a key regional entity of CIECC for the Southeast Asia sector — accepted a commission from the Management Committee of the Fuqing Functional Area in Fuzhou New District to seek new breakthroughs for the industrial park’s development.

The Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone is China’s first development zone built with overseas Chinese investment. It was personally planned and introduced by Xi Jinping, who was the secretary of the Fuzhou Municipal Party Committee in 1992. This zone is of exemplary significance for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and its neighboring countries, attracting overseas Chinese to invest in domestic construction, and sharing the fruits of development.

In collaboration with the government of Fuqing, Fujian CIECC Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd. carefully analyzed President Xi Jinping’s early Belt and Road thoughts and practices during his leadership in Fujian. Following extensive research and investigation, they proposed the idea of constructing an international food industry park based on the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” concept. Between 2018 and 2019, the project team from Fujian CIECC Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd. visited Indonesia four times, engaging in dialogue with local government officials, overseas Chinese and entrepreneurs. They discussed ideas, policies, industries and futures, establishing communication bridges and fostering consensus. Thanks to the joint efforts, in January 2021, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Government of Fujian Province and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs of Indonesia signed a memorandum of cooperation for the project. This January, the State Council of China approved the establishment of the China-Indonesia Demonstration Park for Innovative Economic and Trade Development and agreed in principle to the master plan for the park’s construction, marking the official launch of the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project.

Today, the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” has become a hallmark of Fujian’s deepening engagement with the core construction of the Maritime Silk Road. Entrusted by the Zhangzhou and Longyan municipal governments in Fujian, Fujian CIECC Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd. is vigorously advancing the planning and execution of the China-Philippines and China-Serbia “Two Countries, Twin Parks” projects.

——Grounded in Practice, Dedicated to Application, CIECC Releases the “2023 High-Quality Development Report for Overseas Economic and Trade Cooperation Zones”.

In order to fully reflect the construction achievements of the overseas economic and trade cooperation zones, enhance the evaluation mechanisms and promote the high-quality development of these zones and the collaborative construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC), drawing on years of accumulated research and practical results and under the meticulous guidance of the Ministry of Commerce, as well as with the full trust and strong support of provincial and municipal commerce departments, related government bodies, financial institutions and the overseas economic and trade cooperation zones, has systematically, comprehensively, objectively and justly conducted evaluations on the high-quality development of these zones. This has culminated in the publication of the “2023 High-Quality Development Report for Overseas Economic and Trade Cooperation Zones”.

The report provides analysis and evaluation of the high-quality development of 73 overseas economic and trade cooperation zones, focusing on aspects such as economic leadership, innovation drive, green ecology, openness and sharing, as well as risk prevention and control. It summarizes experiences, calculates rankings and offers recommendations, serving as a reference for fostering high-quality development of overseas economic and trade cooperation under new circumstances.

According to CIECC’s statistics, as of the end of 2022, China has established 125 overseas economic and trade cooperation zones, with 112 located in countries that are part of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the high-quality development ranking of the top 20 zones, 12 are in Asia, making it the region with the largest representation. In the economic leadership category of the top 20, Asia has 11 zones, followed by Africa with 4, Europe with 3 and the Americas with 2. At the provincial and municipal level, Zhejiang, Shandong, Jiangsu, Guangdong and Heilongjiang have been noted for the high quality of their overseas economic and trade cooperation zone construction.

After years of development, the construction of Overseas economic and trade cooperation zones has achieved significant progress, with a growing number of zones, steady progress in infrastructure construction, and an increasingly noticeable effect of industrial agglomeration. These zones have become a key instrument in advancing the collaborative construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. Looking ahead, it is vital to fully harness the important role of the “dual circulation” platform, to promote coordination and bidirectional linkage with China’s domestic development zones, foreign trade transformation and upgrade demonstration bases, and other platforms for development and openness, thereby advancing the synchronized development of both domestic and international trade.

Progressing with Time, Embracing Action: Ensuring the Belt and Road Achieves Sustained Success

Reflecting on a decade of committed service to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China International Engineering Consulting Corporation (CIECC) has gradually unfurled its grand vision like an epic scroll. It is impossible to fully articulate the vast wisdom and tireless efforts contributed by CIECC to the BRI’s expansion, but these efforts are permanently ingrained in the thriving journey of the initiative.

As the pathway to improvement aligns with the times, the BRI’s evolution from sweeping strokes to delicate fine brushwork signifies an increasing focus on the quality and efficiency of bilateral investments. From domestic to international stages and from corporations to financial institutions, CIECC has extended its consulting reach to nations and regions along the BRI. With its professional expertise and extensive experience, CIECC has become a trusted advisory for domestic and international project owners, ensuring the BRI’s continuous and protected development.

CIECC offers a comprehensive range of full-process consulting services to domestic and international governments and project owners, including policy consultancy, investment and financing planning, market and risk analysis, project feasibility studies, merger and acquisition consultancy and owner’s engineering services. It has conducted overseas consulting operations for esteemed clients such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, DBS Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank and China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation. CIECC also assists enterprises at home and abroad with services such as owner representation and project management, enabling Chinese and foreign companies and financial institutions to traverse mountains and oceans and to connect closely in mutually beneficial cooperation.

Transitioning from tangible to intangible connectivity, CIECC serves as an intellectual bridge and think tank in the BRI’s construction, fostering consensus through dialogue and promoting integration through standardization. The company has exchanged services with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. of Japan, and the Korean Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade. It has hosted visiting delegations from African political parties and youths from ten countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, discussing China’s economic development trends, infrastructure construction, and exchanging views on mutual interests such as resources, climate change and international trade, thereby discussing new opportunities for think tank collaboration within the BRI framework.

CIECC has also fully leveraged its role as a platform for international exchange in engineering consulting. Since the establishment of the FIDIC Project Awards in 2013 — often referred to as the “Nobel Prize” of the international engineering consulting industry — CIECC has had eight projects it participated in consulting on receive this prestigious distinction. These projects include the West-East Gas Pipeline, the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), the Central Tibet Power Grid Interconnection Project and the Fuqing Nuclear Power Station. These mega-projects have not only stepped out of national boundaries but also earned worldwide acclaim. On September 12, 2023, the FIDIC Project Awards were announced, and two more projects involving CIECC were honored. Among them, the Baihetan Hydropower Station on the Jinsha River, which CIECC applied for in collaboration with relevant units, was awarded the unique “Outstanding Project Award” (Large Project). The high international recognition of Chinese consulting, technology, standards, and quality has provided a solid safeguard for the BRI’s steady and far-reaching development.

Shared aspirations make distance irrelevant. As we collectively embark on the BRI, we enter a new phase of high-quality development. With a decade of navigation behind us, we set sail once again, looking towards a bright future. CIECC will continue to be guided by Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, proudly carrying the mission of a central state-owned enterprise as a pillar of the nation. The company is committed to accelerating its development into a leading national think tank and a world-class consultancy enterprise. CIECC will focus on deep cultivation and meticulous work in fields such as research on the national strategies for BRI co-construction, major project planning and validation, and full-process project management. By harnessing the soft power of consulting, CIECC aims to gather new momentum and inject new vitality into the BRI, propelling it into the next golden decade.