ASEAN sees key role for BRI projects

Participants speak of how China can help enhance regional cooperation

The Belt and Road Initiative has proved conducive for strengthening regional cooperation and collaboration for common prosperity, ASEAN speakers told a recent forum in Macao.

As a maritime member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, the Philippines is keen to explore new opportunities as China works to revive the ancient maritime Silk Road that once passed through Southeast Asia, said Delia D Albert, former foreign secretary of the Philippines. The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is a key component of the BRI which also includes the land route of the Silk Road Economic Belt.