Paths to Prosperity: Is the BRI only benefiting China?

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05:26

Some have also criticized the initiative as a project that only benefits China. CGTN's Xu Mengqi visited the city of Yiwu in eastern China's Zhejiang province, which has the world's largest wholesale market for small commodities. She sat down with three international traders to find out their take on the initiative.

UMMAR BUKHARI TRADER FROM PAKISTAN "My name is Ummar Ali Bukhari, I'm from Pakistan. I am exporting different products from China to other countries."

MARINELLA FORTINO TRADER FROM GERMANY "My real name is Marinella. I'm from Germany. And we're exporting actually to all Europe."

SYLLA CHEICKINA TRADER FROM WEST AFRICA "I'm Sylla from Africa. I've been doing business in China since 2001. Here is my little girl Diana."

XU MENGQI YIWU "We're now at Yiwu West Railway Station. The freight rail service network is a crucial part of the Belt and Road Initiative, and some of your goods may be dispatched from here. But the initiative is also facing backlashes. Western powers are accusing China of setting debt traps and exerting Chinese influence. Do people really want to be connected?"

XU MENGQI YIWU "Let's talk about the next step, about trade. Obviously you all are sourcing goods from China. Is the influx of Chinese goods weakening your local industries?"

XU MENGQI YIWU "Alright, we've had some serious discussions, but I've been hiding a VIP guest from you all. Now let me bring in Diana Cheickina: Diana is Sylla's daughter, and a movie star who played Pasha in the Chinese blockbuster movie Wolf Warrior 2."

Sylla: "Actually it's not only just about the movie. I believe cultural exchange is key for people to understand one another."

Nella: "This is a really nice point."

Ummar: "People-to-people contact will improve everything."

XU MENGQI YIWU "I think that is a very good point to end on. Thank to our guests Diana, Sylla, Nella and Ummar. Thanks for taking time out from your busy schedules and I wish you all the success with your businesses in and beyond China."