Journal of Modern Business Administration

This study explores the Belt and Road Initiative's role in promoting China's transition into a trade power from the perspective of export product quality upgrading. Employing a Difference-in-Differences model and analyzing Chinese customs data and urban statistical data from 2008 to 2015, it reveals that the BRI significantly enhances Chinese firms' export product quality, with a more pronounced effect in non-state-owned enterprises, and the secondary sector. Heterogeneous analysis indicates that regional development levels, firm ownership, and industry types are key factors influencing the policy's effectiveness. Consequently, the study suggests implementing differential regional support policies, establishing a multi-level innovation system, and promoting targeted industrial support to boost high-quality BRI development and bolster China's journey to becoming a trade power.

Belt and Road Initiative; Export product quality; Trade power construction