This study investigates the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on poverty reduction in participating countries. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) method on panel data from 2005 to 2019 encompassing 151 countries, the study finds that joining the BRI significantly reduces poverty rates, particularly in the long term and among countries neighboring China and lower-middle-income countries. The BRI's positive effects are attributed to increased trade, improved financial systems, greater Chinese greenfield investment, and enhanced digital infrastructure, as well as increased bilateral visits and technical cooperation.
