Opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. Photo: Reuters, Thomas Peter
Opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. Photo: Reuters, Thomas Peter

Chinse media reports on the continued expansion of the One Belt, One Road initiative, an ambitious strategic framework aimed at developing ports and transportation infrastructure from Southeast Asia to Europe. Shanghai Securities Daily reported Monday that more than fifty countries have already signed related agreements with China, and more than one hundred countries have expressed positive responses to the plans. With planning complete on many projects the initiative is entering the development phase. Representatives taking part in the Belt and Road International Cooperation Summit on the sidelines of the annual legislative session in Beijing this week said that new legislative proposals will focus on the improvement of transportation connectivity as well as improving channels for funding One Belt, One Road projects.