The achievements made by the Belt and Road Initiative are beyond expectations, Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said on March 11.

Last year Chinese companies invested $14.5 billion in markets along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road. Over 50 cooperation agreements were signed between governments.

The initiative, seen as China’s solution to boost global development, conforms to what a responsible, great nation would do, Zhong said at a news conference on the sidelines of the two sessions.

“Chinese firms have contributed 180,000 job opportunities and nearly $1.1 billion in tax revenue along the routes,” the minister said.

He said he was happy to see that Chinese manufacturers, developers and service providers are well received along the routes, with more capital and technology exchanges.