Lebanon should promote cooperation with China through projects in various fields: expert

BEIRUT, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon has benefited tremendously from the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and should continue to promote cooperation with China in various fields, a Lebanese expert has said.

"Many promising opportunities can be worked on jointly between China and Lebanon. China can help Lebanon in many fields and sectors that could benefit both sides," said Waref Kumayha, president of the Silk Road Institute for Studies and Research, during a seminar held on Monday by the League of Academics in the North.

The seminar, held in Tripoli, Lebanon's northern city, discussed the importance of the BRI and how Lebanon and other countries have benefited from the initiative.

Kumayha, also president of the Lebanese-Chinese Dialogue Road Association, said China has actively participated since 2006 in peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon, sending batches of peacekeeping forces and completing many tasks such as mine clearance, construction, maintenance, and medical assistance.

On the trade front, the Chinese embassy in Lebanon has helped the Lebanese business communities to actively participate in trade exchange platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the China Import and Export Fair, and the China-Arab States Expo, to expand their exports.

In addition, the Chinese government has funded the construction of the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music with a donation of 62 million U.S. dollars, the expert noted.

Recently, Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Qian Minjian, announced that China will donate solar panels to Lebanon's telecommunications centers, which is expected to cover around 358 centers of state-owned telecom operator, Ogero, Kumayha said.

Internationally, Kumayha said the major international economic corridors built by China have benefited several countries by contributing to their economic growth, creating new jobs, and training local talents.