China's efforts are bringing tangible benefits. According to a report released by the Chinese government in June, in just the past year, China has established over 100 projects to promote the GDI, benefiting nearly 40 developing countries. Additionally, China has set up 1,000 capacity-building projects and provided 20,000 training opportunities in relevant countries.

"Every day, we see the Chinese initiatives are embodied in Chinese projects on real ground," said Gaballah, the Egyptian economist, adding that he "expects momentum in the Chinese projects and actions for promoting the process of development in general."

Enhancing the voice and representation of developing countries in the global governance system is also an essential aspect of the GDI. In such events as the largest-ever expansion of the BRICS mechanism and the successful inclusion of the African Union in the G20, China has all played an indispensable role.

"The GDI, in specific, has great practical importance," said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, noting that the initiative deals with all kinds of projects and necessities that either developing countries or the least developed ones need the most.

China's goals contained in the GDI are right, said Akkan Suver, head of the Istanbul-based Marmara Group Strategic and Social Research Foundation. "They have created a different atmosphere ... (and) enabled people to live better, move better, and achieve better."

EXPANDING GROUP OF FRIENDS

Having witnessed the far-reaching dividends brought about by the GDI, more members of the international community are joining the symphony of development, becoming ardent supporters and active participants in this initiative.