Cross-regional media cooperation pivotal in addressing misperceptions about BRI

Islamabad :Cross-regional media cooperation could play vital role in not only addressing misperceptions created around Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) but also in connecting people to the benefits of this mega project that is shaping up the economic future of the world.

The views were expressed by speakers at an International Conference on ‘Cross-Regional Media Fusion among the Belt and Road Partners’ organised by Centre for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS) on Tuesday.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan was the chief guest of the conference which was attended by diplomats, policy experts and media personalities.

The guest speakers of the conference included prominent international speakers with media background from Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan who provided valuable insight regarding the topic.

In his opening remarks, CGSS President Major General (r) Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery said that BRI is a comprehensive project to promote regional connectivity.

Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan talked about the significance of media fusion of BRI states. She said that President Xi Jinping’s vision of BRI is a harbinger of new era of connectivity and will bridge the gap between North and South.

She also highlighted the progress being made in the CPEC project and projects emphasis on socioeconomic development and agriculture sector. She said that BRI and CPEC are reshaping the geo-economic landscape and bringing prosperity not only for Pakistan but shared development for the entire region.

Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Pang Chunxue stated that China is the engine of economic growth and has brought more opportunities for shared development for all partners.

“China is building a new model that features no conflict, rejects cold war, power politics and creates win-win situation for all. China has promoted peaceful diplomacy and cooperation that aims at building a world with shared prosperity. In a nutshell, peace and stability is the need of the time and BRI is important to achieve this goal,” she said adding that BRI will cut the global cost on trade.

From Uzbekistan, Ismailov Muzaffar, Chief Editor, UZREPORT, Tashkent, presented said that Uzbekistan is working diligently for media development and many new government and private channels have been launched with the objective to create awareness among the masses regarding the real facts of the BRI project.

Representing Azerbaijan, Shahin Jafarov, Senior Correspondent, Azerbaijan State News Agency, Baku stated that BRI is not only a financial project but is also a cultural project that helps in connecting different communities and promotes regional integration and mutual cooperation.

Asad Inam, CEO, X2O (PVT) Ltd stated that Asia in the past had no comparison with the other continents but through China’s initiative of BRI, Asia is now considered as the biggest economies in the world. All this progress that has been made can be promoted through media.

Uladzislau Sychevich, Journalist, Publishing House ‘Belarus Today’ highlighted the strategic importance of Belarus. He stated that geographical position of Belarus is very significant for BRI.

Ambassador Akbar Gasemi – Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Iran stressed upon Iran’s strategic partnership with Beijing. He stated that they are experiencing international regional development in its critical condition. Pakistan has decisive role being a regional actor for security and development.

Mudassar Tipu, Director General China, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad highlighted the regional cooperation through the platform of Media. He stated that CPEC is a priority project.

While chairing the second session, Chairperson Strategic Policy Planning Cell (SPPC), Prime Minister Secretariat and guest of honour Dr. Moeed Yusuf said that BRI must not be observed on infrastructural basis rather it must be analyzed in terms of connectivity.

Dr. Hunag Chu-xin, Deputy Director General and General Secretary, New Media Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing presented recommendations on how to deeply integrate media of different regions.

Noorul Ameen Izzadeen, Deputy Editor, The Sunday Times, Colombo said that BRI is playing a very positive role in promotion and enhancement of bilateral and multilateral relations, promotion of justice, shared values and cooperation.

From Kyrgyz Republic, Adilet Adenisov, Expert from President Press Service, Bishkek said that BRI aims to improve economy of more than 60 countries.

From Tajikistan, Qanoatullo Saifulloev, 'Khovar' News Agency, Dushanbe stated that the goal of BRI is integrated common development. Revival of new Silk Road has created a new phase in the Tajikistan and China relations.

Saeed Javed, Director General External Publicity Wing, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that BRI is increasing the growth potential of approximately 4.6 billion people contributing 61 per cent of the world’s population.