AMMAN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed "Belt and Road" initiatives are to boost trade with Jordan, the Middle East and North Africa, experts and economists said on Saturday.
The Silk Road Economic Belt, together with the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, commonly known as the "Belt and Road" initiatives, were proposed by China in 2013.
The initiatives bring together countries in Asia, Europe and even Africa via overland and maritime networks, with the purpose of boosting infrastructure building, financial cooperation and cultural exchanges in those regions.
"The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road will play a major role in facilitating trade, reducing costs and thus increasing trade exchanges between China and countries in the region," Mohammad Dawood, the president of the Jordan Truck Owners Association, told Xinhua.
"This is a major project that will definitely strengthen ties between China and the Arab states. Trade exchange is already huge and it will be further strengthened," he said.
"Shipping cargo will be faster and more convenient. We are very excited to see this project opening," Dawood added.
Maha Al Ali, Jordan's minister of industry and trade, said Jordan will participate in the China-Arab States Expo later this week and is very interested in learning more about the initiatives.
The expo, which will be held in China during September 10-13, is a cooperation mechanism for the "Belt and Road" initiatives.