Auto Valley paves way for BRI success

Several Dongfeng production models are loaded onto trucks for export. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]

From Oct 17 to 18, the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held in Beijing.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was first proposed 10 years ago, presenting a magnificent blueprint for interconnectivity and win-win cooperation around the world.

The Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ) is one of the oldest national-level economic development zones in central and western China. It has actively supported local enterprises in going global and contributed to the overall landscape of the BRI.

In addition to China's high-speed railway, Chinese automobiles are becoming a globally renowned symbol of China's innovation. In the first half of this year, China's automobile exports ranked first in the world. Dongfeng Motor Co, based in WEDZ, has been actively responding to the initiative, entering overseas markets with high-quality products to showcase the new image of Chinese brands.

In the future, Dongfeng Motor Co will introduce seven new energy vehicles (NEVs) to the North European market, including luxury, high-end, and mainstream production models. Dongfeng also plans to establish 34 marketing and sales service offices in the market by 2025.

In 2022, Dongfeng exported a record 240,000 vehicles, an increase of 57 percent compared to the previous year. NEV exports reached 81,000, which is above the industry's average. Dongfeng vehicles have been exported to over 100 countries and regions, achieving new breakthroughs in Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

In recent years, China Railway Major Bridge Reconnaissance & Design Institute Co has undertaken a large number of infrastructure projects under the BRI.

The China Maldives Friendship Bridge is built by China Railway Major Bridge Reconnaissance & Design Institute Co, which is headquartered in WEDZ. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]

One of the most memorable projects for the institute's chief engineer Xiao Haizhu is the construction of the China Maldives Friendship Bridge. "The Maldives has a typical maritime climate and environment. The rock there was formed by dead corals, which was something we had never encountered before. We conducted extensive research and collected a lot of data during the design of this bridge," Xiao said.

Finally, they built the bridge, making the impossible possible. The Maldives China Friendship Bridge, the first transoceanic bridge in the Indian Ocean, has now been operational for over four years. It takes just several minutes to cross the bridge, which connects three islands.

In addition, China Railway Major Bridge Reconnaissance & Design Institute Co has undertaken bridge construction projects in Ghana, Bangladesh, Zambia, and other places, benefiting local communities.