Reminiscing on the 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum
by Fiifi Nettey - TDS
13 January 2026
Waawo! A new year has begun, yet my thoughts are still vividly anchored in China. The memories of the 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum remain fresh—etched with images of breathtaking places, warm encounters with Chinese hosts and meaningful connections with colleagues from across the globe.
As I reflect, I am reminded of the deep honour I felt when I was selected to participate in the forum—an experience that left me with lasting impressions, unforgettable stories, and meaningful connections with wonderful colleagues from across the world, with whom I continue to share ideas and collaborate on articles from diverse perspectives.
My journey began with an early-morning Ethiopian Airlines flight from Terminal 3, Ghana to (Bole International Airport) Addis Ababa. After a seven-and-a-half-hour journey, a brief transit, and another 10 and half-hour flight to Guangzhou, we departed Addis Ababa at midnight. Despite the long hours, I enjoyed every moment of the journey.
Upon arrival in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, I hurried through immigration to catch my connecting flight to Chongqing, the host city for the forum. In the process, my luggage could not be located, and I had no choice but to leave it behind to avoid missing my flight. I eventually arrived in Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to a warm welcome, where we were transported to our hotel. Even late at night, the city revealed its beauty as we drove through its illuminated streets.
The next morning at the hotel reception, I encountered journalists from all corners of the world who have been invited to participate in the forum. I was assigned to Group 4—a truly remarkable team of professionals. We bonded almost instantly, as though we had known each other long before that moment.
Our tour of Chongqing unveiled a city that stands as a powerful symbol of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Once an ancient trade hub, Chongqing today anchors the New International Land–Sea Trade Corridor, linking more than 100 cities in over 40 countries and accessing 523 ports worldwide.
Exploring this mega-city of over 32 million people was awe-inspiring. Rivers, railways and highways converge in a fast-paced, high-tech environment marked by towering skyscrapers, high-speed trains, and dazzling neon-lit nights. Chongqing truly embodies China’s drive for innovation and development.
One of the most memorable visits was to the Baiheliang Underwater Museum, which offers a glimpse into Chongqing’s 3,000-year-old trading history. The site powerfully connects the city’s past to its present.
Another highlight was Wulong, a region that has transformed remarkably. Once impoverished, it now thrives as an eco-tourism hub—thanks to policies focused on sustainability, environmental protection and inclusive development.
Equally impressive were visits to modern industrial hubs such as the SERES electric vehicle plant, where high-performance EVs are produced with robotic precision—demonstrating China’s leap into a technology-driven future.
The visit to Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery, which displays visual and architectural representations of the city's transformation over decades.
Chongqing stands as a striking example of how China blends ancient heritage with futuristic ambition. As the Belt and Road Initiative continues to expand, so does China’s influence—reshaping global connections from its dynamic inland frontier.
Above all, the memories shared with my Group 4 colleagues and our dedicated team leaders remain truly priceless, proof that beyond infrastructure and policy, people remain at the heart of global cooperation.
I also cannot forget the delightful Chinese cuisine I had the chance to enjoy, the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people I encountered, and the immense relief of finally retrieving my luggage with everything intact. This was made possible through the tireless efforts of Gao Xuan and her team, who went above and beyond to ensure my luggage was recovered. She even provided me with new T-shirts at every location we visited. The wonderful gifts from these experiences have created memories that will last a lifetime, and I am confident that one day, our group will reunite to explore more of China’s beautiful cities to know its contributions to the world economy at large.
FIIFI NETTEY, MEDIA CONSULTANT ACCRA