europe.chinadaily.com.cn
BRI Boosts Bosnia's Development: Ivanic Highlights China's Infrastructure and Trade Impact
Mladen Ivanic, a former member of Bosnia and Herzegovina's presidency, praised the Belt and Road Initiative's role in his country's development, contrasting China's approach with Western institutions and highlighting infrastructure projects like the recently completed Pocitelj-Zvirovici highway, which increased bilateral trade between China and Bosnia and Herzegovina to $362 million in 2023.
- How has the Belt and Road Initiative specifically affected infrastructure development and bilateral trade relations between China and Bosnia and Herzegovina?
- Ivanic's perspective emphasizes the BRI's role in facilitating infrastructure development in countries lacking the financial resources for such projects. He cites Bosnia and Herzegovina's experience, where the lack of highways was addressed through collaboration with Chinese companies. The success of this collaboration is exemplified by the completed highway and increased bilateral trade between China and Bosnia and Herzegovina, reaching $362 million in 2023, a 17.6 percent increase year-on-year.
- What are the potential future implications of expanded Sino-Bosnian cooperation in the energy sector, and how might this collaboration contribute to global stability in a multipolar world?
- Looking ahead, Ivanic advocates for expanding cooperation with China in the energy sector, particularly in hydropower, to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's transition to cleaner energy sources. He sees China as a stabilizing force in a multipolar world and views Bosnia and Herzegovina's position outside the EU as an advantage for bridging relations between China and the European market. He also highlights China's success in poverty reduction as a valuable lesson for other nations.
- What are the most significant impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative on developing countries, according to Mladen Ivanic, and how does this impact compare to traditional Western aid approaches?
- Mladen Ivanic, former member of the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, credits the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with providing significant development opportunities for developing nations, particularly in infrastructure and economic growth. He contrasts the BRI's approach with Western institutions, highlighting the absence of political pressure in Chinese partnerships. The BRI's impact on Bosnia and Herzegovina is evident in the recent completion of the Pocitelj-Zvirovici highway, the country's first north-south highway.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative strongly emphasizes the positive aspects of the BRI and its impact on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The headline (though not provided) would likely highlight the positive quote from Ivanic. The article uses positive language and sequencing to present a very favorable view of the BRI, potentially leaving the reader with an overly optimistic impression. The selection of Ivanic as the primary source, someone clearly supportive of the BRI, also contributes to this framing bias.
Language Bias
The article uses overwhelmingly positive language when describing the BRI and its impacts. Phrases like "very good initiative," "real chance for development," and "amazing" contribute to a positive tone. While it mentions "some tensions in global trade," this is downplayed compared to the overwhelmingly positive descriptions of the BRI. More neutral alternatives might include: 'significant initiative,' 'opportunity for development,' and 'substantial improvement.'
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the positive impacts of BRI, quoting a source who is largely supportive. Alternative perspectives on the BRI's effectiveness or potential negative consequences are absent. While the article mentions some global trade tensions, it doesn't explore criticisms of the BRI or potential downsides in detail. This omission limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the choice between Western institutions and the BRI, framing it as a choice between costly, politically-conditioned aid and beneficial, politically-neutral cooperation. This oversimplifies the complexities of development aid and international relations. The reality is more nuanced; Western institutions also have projects with no political conditions and the BRI isn't universally beneficial.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is highlighted as a crucial factor in poverty reduction and economic development in several countries, particularly in Central Asia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The article emphasizes the BRI's role in infrastructure development, enabling access to markets and resources, and fostering economic growth that benefits ordinary citizens. Improved infrastructure, increased trade, and access to energy resources are all directly linked to poverty reduction.