Highway crosses country, bridges nations

Transferring skills

China's contribution to global infrastructure has not only involved highways and bridges but has also entailed the transfer of invaluable knowledge and innovative methods, Qi said.

"Young Algerian engineers, who have accumulated experience through long-term cooperation with Chinese colleagues, are highly skilled, and represent the future of the industry in Algeria," Xinhua stated, citing Mohamed Salah Kafi, the head of the eastern region bureau of Algeria's National Highways Agency.

Over the past few years, CITIC Construction has provided technical training to about 16,000 Algerian engineers and technicians, skills necessary for future road maintenance and management, Qi said.

They also chose 200 Algerian workers to be trained in China. In addition to project management, they were also taught Chinese history and culture, which Ji Zongli says will help deepen their understanding of China and promote bilateral friendship.

It is better to teach someone to fish than to give him a fish. This is the way China deals with African countries, said Qi.

"Only by passing on some of our advanced project management experience and technology can we help the country achieve sustainable development," he said.

"We also fulfilled our social responsibilities by establishing a management institute and training professionals," Qi said, adding that only in this way can the company better integrate into development and construction in Algeria.

At the same time, it will help build up a talent reserve for the company's future operations in the country, he added.

Taking about Chinese companies operating overseas, Qi said that they possess a distinct advantage in efficiency and quality when it comes to infrastructure.

Friendly historical interaction between China and Africa, and China's policies, encourage Chinese companies to work outside the country, he said.

The BRI, which is in its tenth year, represents a commitment to international connectivity, economic cooperation, and mutual development, and Chinese companies have embraced this vision, serving as pioneers in translating these ideals into tangible progress, he said, adding that their involvement not only drives economic growth, but also enhances cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

Under the BRI, cooperation between China and Algeria will continue to expand, Ji said.

He is now accustomed to life there. "I think I will continue to work here on China-Algeria cooperation projects, and I believe there will be opportunities."