(KPL) Thirteen journalists from Laos and Myanmar have learned about the development of modern China and the world and the social responsibility and role of the media.

The closing ceremony for a two-week seminar was held in Beijing, China on Sep 28, in the presence of the Director of China International Publishing Group (CIPG) Training Center Ms Zhao Lijun. 

The seminar aimed to enhance the traditional friendship and cooperation between China and the two ASEAN member countries.

Officials and experts from related departments briefed the trainees about China's development, social and economic policies and measures, especially the achievements and lessons learned since China's launched its reform and open-door policy in 1978.

“China and ASEAN established bilateral relations in 1991 and strategic partnership in 2003 featured by peace and stability. When developing, China also wants to share its development with neighboring countries for preparing for the Belt and Road Initiative. Initiated by President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative upholds shared consultation, shared construction and shared benefits. It is inclusive rather than exclusive,” Ms Zhao Lijun told the closing ceremony.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative is an economic framework developed to increase connectivity between China and over 100 countries and international organizations, based on the ancient Silk Road land and maritime routes.

The initiative aims to link different regions through infrastructure construction, transport and economic corridors and by bridging China with the rest of the world both physically, financially, digitally and socially.

As part of the training programme, visits to Xinhua News Agency and southern China’s Guangdong province were also arranged for the Lao and Myanmar journalists to provide them opportunities to learn about media challenges and socio-economic development in the locality.

KPL