The implementation of the “Belt and Road” initiative needs a “precise stroke”

Text by Zhao Lei Translation by Tao Wenjia Photos by CFP

The implementation of the “Belt and Road” initiative needs a “precise stroke”

Text by Zhao Lei Translation by Tao Wenjia Photos by CFP

Firstly, it is necessary to accumulate models and experiences of cooperation that can work in different situations. Therefore, we need to explore modes of cooperation with the principles of marketing, internationalisation and professionalism. Taking into consideration both the economic and social benefi ts, we need to fi nd modes of cooperation that are mutually benefi cial and reproducible, so that we can promote such models in different areas. The models we choose eventually are much more signifi cant than resources and market share.

Secondly, it is important to enhance Chinese enterprises' attention to brand awareness and brand value. We must not only have executives in the enterprise, but also have real entrepreneurs who have the spirit of exploration because it is the latter that can help create a successful "business empire." In my opinion, the rise of a business is not only about economic growth, but also about building a unique culture which can win the hearts of employees and consumers.

Zhao Leiprofessor at the Institu te for International Stra tegic Studies of the Pa rty School of the Centr al Committee of the CP C, a director of the Res earch Office for Interna tional Relations and Na tional Unity. Mr. Zhao heads a key research project on the Belt and Road Initiative at CPS,and is the founder of th e forum “The Belt and R oad 100”.赵磊中共中央党校国际战略研究院教授、国际关系与国家统一研究室主任、中央党校“一带一路”重点研究课题主持人，“一带一路百人论坛”发起人。

Thirdly, the internationalisation of the “China Standard” is an integral part of the Belt and Road Initiative. At present, many projects are land-related projects instead of projects related to people,culture or standards. The internationalisation of the"China Standard" should include the innovation and progress of technology, legal system, and talents.

Fourthly, it is crucial that the initiative should be implemented step by step. We cannot rush to a quick success. Before a comprehensive promotion of a certain model, we need to fi rst identify key countries, key areas, and key projects to have the model fully tested, enough experience accumulated, and hard-working talents found.Currently, the early results of the Belt and Road Initiative are mostly for infrastructure and other heavy-assets projects. Exemplary light-assets projects are still too few. Many companies simply never think of light-assets projects. In addition to industrial production capacity cooperation, we need to promote cultural, educational, medical and agricultural cooperation so that more experience in such areas can be accumulated.

Fifthly, by following the rules of market economy,we need to achieve a healthy interaction among business, society, and government. The Belt and Road Initiative should follow the path of the market.Under the principle of "Led by business, operated commercially, participated by the society, and promoted by the government", it is possible that we can implement relevant projects through different means such as joint ventures, PPP,franchise, etc.

Last but not least, a dynamic evaluation of the Belt and Road Initiative is very much needed. The goal of the evaluation is to take out the rough ones to gain the fi ne ones and take out the failed ones to reserve success. It is not only a self-evaluation and refl ection of the Chinese, but also a demonstration of being responsible to international society.

“一带一路”落地要“精准发力”

“一带一路”要落地，要“精准发力”。

首先，要积累可复制、可推广的“一带一路”合作模式与经验。要按照市场化、国际化、专业化的原则，兼顾经济效益和社会效益，探索互利共赢，以及可复制、可推广的“一带一路”合作模式。模式比资源和市场份额更重要。

其次，要增强中国企业的品牌意识与品牌价值意识。我们不仅要有在企业工作的高管人员，更要有具有企业家精神的企业家，后者能够帮助企业打造成功的“商业帝国”。在笔者看来，一家企业的崛起，不仅是经济事件，更是收获人心的文化事件。

第三，“中国标准”的国际化是“一带一路”的应有之义。目前很多项目是与土地相关的项目，而不是与人、文化或标准相关的项目。“中国标准”的国际化包括技术、法律、人才的创新与进步。

第四，循序渐进，不可急功近利。要以点带面，在全面推广之前，要找准重点国家、重点领域、重点项目进行充分试验，积累经验，积累实干型人才。目前“一带一路”的早期成果项目大多还是基建等重资产项目，轻资产的示范项目依然太少，甚至很多企业根本想不到要上轻资产项目。在工业产能合作之外，要加强文化产业、教育医疗、农业技术等方面的推进与试点。

第五，充分遵循市场经济规律，实现企业、社会、政府三者良性互动。“一带一路”应该走市场化路径，按照“企业主导、商业运作、社会参与、政府推动”的原则，通过合资、PPP、特许经营权等方式进行项目合作，让有关项目尽快落实。

对“一带一路”的动态性评估必不可少，评估的目的是“去粗取精”“去伪存真”。这一过程，既是对中国人的自我教育，也展现了对国际社会的负责任态度。