Silk Road benefits to begin this year

The Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives are expected to further stimulate business this year between China and trading partners along the routes through diversified trade activities, investment and currency exchanges.

The so-called One Belt, One Road concept was put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2013, putting the world's second-largest economy on track to rejuvenate the two ancient trade routes and further open up markets.

Lyu Xinhua, spokesman for the Third Session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said on Monday it is not accurate to compare the two initiatives to the Marshall Plan, which was launched by the United States to help rebuild post-World War II Europe.