UN Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tegegnework Gettu receives an interview with Xinhua News Agency in Beijing, capital of China, May 15, 2017.(Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)
The Belt and Road Initiative is a "great achievement" with reciprocal benefits, a United Nations senior official said on Monday.
"It is a very impressive move by China," Tegegnework Gettu, UN under-secretary-general and associate administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said during an interview with Xinhua, calling the initiative a "creative platform" that promotes openness and allows cultural and economic differences, while respecting national diversity.[Special coverage]
While highlighting its role in sustainable development, Gettu of Ethiopia also believes it is both "daring and challenging" and China needs to take the lead in the process.
Gettu, who attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, said, "The most impressive thing is China's commitment to such a tremendous initiative and...being inclusive to a large number of countries."
China has announced assistance worth 60 billion yuan (8.7 billion U.S. dollars) in the next three years for developing countries and organizations involved in the initiative.
Gettu said the funds will be invaluable in building infrastructure, pushing forward industrialization, spurring economic development, and bringing mutual benefits to China and regions along the Belt and Road.
Gettu said the initiative has already yielded tremendous results, citing the construction of railways, roads and hydropower stations in countries including Ethiopia, Kenya and Angola. "It is bearing fruit."
The UNDP, with various projects around the world to protect the environment, tackle climate change, eliminate poverty and promote inclusive growth, has similar goals to the initiative, Gettu said.
He expects that strengthened cooperation between the UNDP and China will help move forward the agency's work.
