The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a timely and necessary demand of the time and unites the economic interests of many countries, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon noted on April 26 while delivering a statement at the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on April 26, according to the Tajik president’s  official website.   

Tajik leader, in particular, stressed that many global problems such as economic crisis, conflicts, climate change and social inequality in many regions face the world and humanity. 

President Rahmon stated that BRI member nations could use mutual experience, technological an investment opportunities for implementation of promising production and infrastructure projects.

In this context, Tajik leader noted that Tajikistan has all necessary resources for development of regional power, communication, industrial, agrarian and tourist projects.  

Speaking at the forum, Emomali Rahmon also outlined perspective initiatives of Tajikistan on development of the region and use of the country’s opportunities on development and exploration of mineral resources, the president’s website said.   

The second Belt and Road Forum reportedly brought together 37 heads of state and government, along with 5,000 delegates from more than 150 countries and 90 international organizations.

Media reports say that themed “Belt and Road Cooperation, Shaping a Brighter Shared Future,” the Forum was China’s most important diplomatic event in the year.

It included the opening ceremony, a roundtable between leaders and a high-level dialogue for ministries, representatives of businesses and scholars.

Speaking at the Forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on parties joining the “Belt and Road” Initiative to continue promoting the initiative, towards the goal of sustainable, high-quality development, contributing to improving people’s living standards, Xinhua reports.

The event concluded Saturday evening and issued a joint communiqué of the leaders’ roundtable.

The top dignitaries from the participating countries including Tajik President Emomali Rahmon have expressed their support to build on the progress already made in developing economic corridors and economic and trade cooperation zones in various countries. 

Beijing hosted the first Belt and Road forum on May 14–15, 2017.  The first Belt and Road Forum reportedly drew 29 foreign heads of state and government and representatives from more than 130 countries and 70 international organizations. 

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a reference to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was initiated by China in 2013 with the aim of enhancing all-around connectivity through infrastructure construction, exploring new driving forces for world economic growth, and building a new platform for world economic cooperation.