The Belt and Road Brand Expo opens in Shanghai in May 31, 2019. Photo: IC

The new coronavirus has been spreading across the world, including in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Though the coronavirus is almost under control in China, there are still uncertainties about when the pandemic will end in other countries. The global market has shown concerns. Against this background, China and BRI countries should improve their emergency response mechanism and clear a path for a green channel in trade.

China sent team of medical experts to Iran in February and is dispatching another team to Italy. This suggests China and BRI countries have engaged in smooth coordination and communication through their public health, foreign affairs and emergency management authorities. Cooperative relationships have been built.

In addition to bilateral mechanisms, multilateral mechanisms under the United Nations (UN) can be formed in the future, including cooperation through the World Health Organization and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The BRI has been recognized by the UN as an important platform to achieve SDGs. Joint efforts in epidemic prevention and joint responses to emergencies are outlined in the SDGs.

Moreover, BRI countries should take advantage of the green channel created through BRI trade facilitation. A total of 83 countries at the first BRI summit signed up for the trade facilitation initiative. 

Under the BRI framework, China, Russia and Central Asian countries have pushed forward this trade facilitation. Due to the comprehensive economic cooperation between China and ASEAN, a convenient customs clearance system has been established. 

Through measures regarding mutual recognition of inspection and quarantine, electronic customs clearance and paperless customs clearance, the trade volume between China and BRI countries managed to increase 2.4 percent in first two months of 2020, 1.7 percentage higher than overall trade volume despite the epidemic. Through systemic cooperation, trade potential between China and its BRI partners is being tapped.

China has greatly expanded its mask production capacity and the country抯 coronavirus epidemic has been largely contained. Masks and other medical supplies can now not only satisfy China抯 own demand, but also meet the export demand. In the next few months, China can play a positive role in providing medical supplies to the world.

Customs, ports, commerce bureaus and market regulators are actively coordinating exports and imports, speeding up tax and fee reductions for foreign trade companies, and increasing the convenience of customs clearance. China and BRI countries can communicate and learn from each other in terms of trade facilitation measures.

The BRI is a long-term cooperation platform. The short-term coronavirus pandemic is influencing countries worldwide, and BRI countries cannot be exempted from such impact. The pandemic will not affect cooperation and partnerships among BRI countries. China and BRI countries should improve their emergency response mechanism and green channel in trade, and uncover further cooperation potential.

The author is director general with the Center for Regional Economic Cooperation at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn