CHENGDU: Media organisations from 26 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have come together on the second day (Aug 29) of the 2024 “Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road” to meet for the Belt and Road News Network Council (BRNN Council).
Held at the Tianfu International Convention Centre, Chengdu, the council was made up of 41 international media companies.
This third council meeting aims to help promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges among the BRI member countries, as well as to facilitate mutual learning.
As sole representative from Malaysia at the event, Star Media Group (SMG) chief business officer Lydia Wang said: “Over the years, the Belt and Road Initiative has brought huge transformative projects to Malaysia, enhancing our infrastructure, industry, education, and maritime trade.
“These initiatives have significantly contributed to our nation’s growth, and at Star Media Group, we have taken it upon ourselves to ensure that these stories of progress reach every corner of our society.”
According to Wang, as one of Malaysia’s leading media houses, SMG played a pivotal role in shaping public understanding of the BRI.
She said the publication’s contribution goes beyond mere reporting as it has positioned itself as a bridge between cultures, economies and ideas.
Leveraging its multi-channel media platforms, the media house has provided comprehensive coverage of the BRI by showcasing its impact on the nation and the broader region.
“We have highlighted not just the economic benefits, but also the cultural exchanges, educational opportunities, and the strengthening of people-to-people ties that the initiative fosters.”
Wang: Over the years, the Belt and Road Initiative has brought huge transformative projects to Malaysia, enhancing our infrastructure, industry, education, and maritime trade.
Wang added that media organisations within the BRI have the unique opportunity to collaborate for mutual benefit.
On SMG’s behalf, she proposed to focus on promoting technology knowledge exchange on the journey to sustainability that can help local businesses.
She also suggested having joint events that raise awareness and confidence while building goodwill among Malaysians towards the BRI and to fight misinformation in a concerted manner.
Wang also stated that this year is the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, which SMG celebrated by organising a photo exhibition at Malaysia’s most popular megamall and launching a commemorative coffee table book on BRI.
The council and forum were jointly hosted by China’s flagship media house People’s Daily and the Sichuan Province government, with the two-day event focusing on the role of media in fostering consensus and gathering collective strengths to promote high-standard Belt and Road cooperation.
At the forum, the “Chengdu Initiative” was adopted, which underscored the media community’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial engagement.
The initiative recognised that the BRI is moving into a new phase and emphasised the continued importance of media collaboration to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
It further stated that, “Media outlets in participating countries should embrace the Silk Road spirit of peace, cooperation, openness, inclusivity, mutual learning and shared benefits.”
It proposed harnessing the collective power of the media to effectively tell BRI stories on common development and mutual benefit, about deepening regional cooperation and improving global governance.
The event featured parallel sessions on regional cooperation, media dialogue and cultural development under the Belt and Road framework and an exhibition showcasing the BRI’s achievements.
The forum also highlighted the significance of BRI’s infrastructure projects, which include seven major land corridors and maritime routes spanning Asia, Africa and Europe, facilitating trade and connectivity.
Media delegates also visited various BRI projects in Sichuan to gain first-hand insight on progress and impact.
The World Bank estimates a 4.1% increase in trade among BRI participating countries, a reduction in global trade costs by up to 2.2%, and an overall GDP growth of 2.6% to 3.9% for developing countries in East Asia and the Pacific.
Additionally, the Centre for Economics and Business Research forecasts that the BRI could contribute US$7.1 trillion annually to global GDP by 2040, driving more countries to join this transformative infrastructure initiative.