The China Academy of Translation, a research institute affiliated with the China International Publishing Group, the country's leading international publisher, has analyzed prevailing terms concerning the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and translated them into a number of foreign languages. In each issue, Beijing Review presents some of these keywords to help readers know more about the initiative.

Policy coordination

Policy coordination is key to the effective implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. In order to expand shared interests, enhance mutual trust and build consensus on further cooperation, it is important for the countries along the Belt and Road to seek common ground while shelving differences and increase intergovernmental communication on macroeconomic policy and development strategies so as to better align their national priorities with regional planning needs and common goals. Cooperation-related issues and challenges should be dealt with through consultation, and policy support is needed to promote a pragmatic approach to implementing large-scale projects. Joint efforts have to be made to harmonize strategies, decision-making processes, policies and rules so as to build a stronger community with a shared future.

Silk Road to innovation

At the Silk Road Forum in Warsaw on June 20, 2016, President Xi Jinping emphasized the unique role talent development can play in leading the way in this regard. It is important, he pointed out, to promote research on courses of action and means to achieve the goals of the initiative so as to inform decision-making with regard to strategic planning and alignment, policy coordination and the design of mechanisms. Also crucial is effective dissemination of information about the guiding principles of the initiative and interpretation of policies so as to better inform people.

Addressing the Legislative Chamber of the Uzbek Supreme Assembly on June 22, 2016, Xi proposed the establishment of a technical cooperation alliance under the Belt and Road Initiative to facilitate training and capacity building. The objective of a Silk Road to innovation is to enhance talent development and exchange of expertise in response to any shortfall of skilled personnel in countries along the proposed Belt and Road.

Connectivity

Connectivity is a priority area under the Belt and Road Initiative. While respect for each other's sovereignty and security concerns is indispensable, a closer alignment of infrastructure development planning and technical standards is called for between the countries along the Belt and Road. Such a move would facilitate the construction of key international arteries so as to build an infrastructure network that not only links all of Asia's sub-regions, but also extends out to Europe and Africa. Also essential is the need to promote a green and low-carbon approach to building and operating infrastructure, taking into full account any potential trigger for climate change.

Rather than being confined to the traditional sense of connection by means of highways, railways, aviation routes, shipping routes and pipelines, the new notion of connectivity is understood to cover areas such as power supplies, telecommunications, postal services, border controls, customs, quality controls and integrated planning. Efforts to boost connectivity aim to link a vibrant East Asia with the developed economies in Western Europe, covering a host of other countries in between and with huge potential for economic development. With interests interlocked, all countries concerned are encouraged to seek cooperation in pursuit of shared prosperity.

Comments to yanwei@bjreview.com