The Chinese government has issued its first book, aptly titled – Belt and Road in Big Data 2016– with data on the One Belt and One Road (OBOR) initiative. This will be an annual report presenting comprehensive implementation assessment of the initiative, and evaluation of the cooperation between China and the 64 countries involved.[1] The report, released by Du Ping, Standing Deputy Director of the State Information Center (SIC), has two volumes. While the first volume makes a comprehensive analysis of the progress on OBOR, the second part includes assessment of, and suggestions about, important issues, e.g. international industrial cooperation, regional cooperation, internationalization of Renminbi (Chinese currency) and cross-border e-commerce. The report is based on more than 300 billion pieces of information collected from domestic and foreign statistics agencies, news websites and social media. It covers more than 60 countries and regions on the Belt and Road routes.
The report ranks Pakistan among the five most cooperative countries in advancing China’s OBOR initiative. The other four are Russia, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Indonesia. Russia and Kazakhstan stand first and second on the list. The third, fourth and fifth slots are held by Thailand, Pakistan and Indonesia respectively. This categorization is based on countries’ performance in five key sectors:
- policy communication,
- connectivity,
- trade,
- finance and
- public support.[2]
At domestic level, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Tianjin and Fujian are the top five provinces and municipalities ranked as “highly participating” in the initiative among 31 nationwide. The report also noted that cooperation between China and the countries along the belt and road routes in five industries sectors- has attracted global attention. The five sectors are- automobiles, construction material, iron and steel, railway and information technology.
This report is compiled by Abdur Rehman Shah, Research Associate at Center for Research and Security Studies.
[1] China.org.cn. (2016, October 28, 2016). China issues first big data report on B&R Initiative. Retrieved on November 7, 2016, from http://china.org.cn/china/2016-10/28/content_39588318.htm
[2] Yiqing, Wang. (2016, October 31). To Belt, Road collaborators ranked. Retrieved on November 7, 2016, from http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2016-10/31/content_27226900.htm