By Long Guoqiang, Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC)

The "One Belt and One Road" initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping was warmly responded by the international community, particularly by countries along the Silk Road. Prior to President Xi's proposal, various initiatives concerning the silk road had been raised in the world, but the major difference between these initiatives is that China's proposal is substantially promoted by the government. As the initiative is undergoing practical advancement, we need to possess related awareness. First, the awareness of opportunity. Infrastructure construction will bring significant opportunities to enterprises and its construction and upgrading will also offer an impetus to the developing economies along the road. The implementation of the "One Belt and One Road" strategy will bring about new opportunities for international cooperation. Second, the awareness of risk aversion. Along the Silk Road, the situation in these regions is quite complicated and we should be aware of and avert the political, legal, cultural and market risks. Third, the awareness of equality and mutual benefit. The "One Belt and One Road" initiative is proposed by President Xi on behalf of the Chinese government. Compared with other countries along the road, China enjoys a higher development level and better development momentum. We should therefore treat local people in an equal manner and avoid being misunderstood by them. In addition, we also need to pursue mutual benefit. Mutual benefit and win-win cooperation should be put into effect. While making money, Chinese enterprises should, with the aim of striving for common benefit, treat local people as partners for cooperation and enable them to share benefit. A lot of work remains to be done in promoting the "One Belt and One Road" initiative. Guided by the above-mentioned concepts, we could advance with more steady and solid steps.