(Yicai) Oct. 24 -- The vitality of overseas ports built or operated by Chinese companies, especially those in Africa and Europe, has increased rapidly in the 10 years since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, according to the latest report.

The vitality index of the 50 ports China invested in or built through the BRI rose to 75.33 points last year from 71.98 points in 2013, according to the Port Vitality Index of Countries Along the BRI released by East China Normal University and Xinhua News Agency today.

The index evaluates ports’ production, transportation, service, and radiation, relying on automatic identification systems, satellite luminous remote sensing data, grid population data, and point of interest data.

Port infrastructure construction in countries along the BRI has greatly leveled up, said Han Yanbin, president of Maersk China.

The 27 ports built by Chinese companies saw a 55 percent increase in number of berths to 187, while their area rose 44 percent to over 1.4 million square kilometers, according to the report.

In terms of investment and construction, Chinese firms develop zones and then promote urban thriving and the vitality of port cities, the report also noted. Enhancing port production dynamism can help narrow the infrastructure capacity gap and improve the integration of port countries into the global economy.

The key directions of future port construction, investment, and operation should fully consider commercial feasibility and policy orientation, promote the integrated development of ports and regional economies, emphasize green and low-carbon construction, and improve the early warning ability for complex geopolitical risks and unexpected factors, per the report.

Editor: Futura Costaglione