Gao Hucheng, China's Commerce Minister. [Wu Xiaoshan / China SCIO]

China has pushed forward the Belt and Road Initiative with solid progress and the initiative is driving the nation's opening-up efforts, Gao Hucheng, China's Commerce Minister, said on Feb. 21.

China stepped up policy coordination with countries along the Belt and Road in 2016, and promoted regional connectivity through large-scale projects in areas such as railway, road, civil aviation, electricity and telecommunications, Gao said at a press conference.

The initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road trade routes.