BEIJING, Mar 5(INP): China has translated its commitment to advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind into concrete action since the concept was enshrined in the Constitution at last year's session of the National People's Congress, the nation's top legislature.

One year on, the vision, representing the prospect of common development and progress, has gained wide international support and helped produce synergy among the international community to pursue a better future amid growing global challenges.

Zhang Yesui, spokesman for the second session of the 13th National People's Congress, said at a news conference that 152 countries and international organizations have signed cooperation documents with China on the Belt and Road Initiative - an important platform for building a community with a shared future on the principle of extensive consultations and joint contributions for benefits shared by all.

The trade volume between China and countries participating in the BRI has exceeded $5 trillion, total Chinese investment in those countries has surpassed $70 billion, and more than 200,000 jobs have been created, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank celebrated its third anniversary in December. The number of approved members has risen to 93; they come from nearly every continent and represent broad support for the multilateral financial institution.

Over the past three years, the bank has approved $7 billion in financing for development projects in Asia and Africa, with the aim of promoting sustainable economic development through infrastructure investment.

In November, China launched the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai as part of efforts to expand opening-up and help other countries benefit from the nation's rapid economic growth.

The expo attracted more than 3,600 companies from around the world, and more than 400,000 domestic and foreign buyers attended. Deals for intended one-year purchases of goods and services worth a combined $57.83 billion were reached at the six-day event.

In an interview with People's Daily, Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general, said that the proposal to build a community with a shared future for mankind, pioneered by President Xi Jinping, is an important contribution to the world.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, proposed the concept in March 2013 during a speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. He elaborated on the vision in September 2015 at summits commemorating the 70th anniversary of the UN's founding.

The vision sees countries forging partnerships in which they will treat each other as equals and engage in mutual consultations and understanding, and create a security architecture that features fairness, justice, joint contributions and shared benefits.

In addition, they will promote open, innovative and inclusive development that benefits all, increase inter-civilization exchanges to enhance harmony, inclusiveness and respect of differences, and build an ecosystem that puts nature and green development first.

INP/J/AJ