BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a landmark event in the history of the ruling party of the world's largest developing country, has attracted keen attention from across the world.

The following is a selection of quotes by foreign leaders and observers on China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Heinz Fischer, former Austrian president:

The initiative is the largest infrastructure project ever launched and is increasingly seen as positive in Europe, as more countries there have shown willingness to take part in it.

Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations:

"The Belt and Road Initiative is a tremendously beneficial initiative for the world and for the United States."

"It's wonderful because those investments are going to lift tens of millions, hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. ... That's just a fundamental positive role."

Nigel Haworth, president of the New Zealand Labor Party:

"We should all look at it very seriously and should engage with it constructively."

"I think the world expects China to play its role and I think China is stepping up to that challenge seriously."

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former French prime minister:

The Belt and Road Initiative allows various countries to sit down at the same table to discuss cooperation. It is committed to promoting people-to-people exchange, especially the important cultural exchange between Eurasian countries.

David Shambaugh, professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University:

"Most of the countries along the Belt and Road have significant development need -- electricity and power, transport infrastructure, IT connectivity, etc. -- which China can contribute greatly to fulfilling."

Proposed in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

The initiative has so far gained the support of over 100 countries and international organizations, and more than 40 of them have signed cooperation agreements with China.