WASHINGTON, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said Tuesday that the IMF could provide policy advice, financial support as well as capacity building for the Belt and Road Initiative.

"The Belt and Road Initiative aims to connect economies, communities, and people. It holds great potential to bring benefits in terms of high-quality infrastructure, inclusiveness, and economic cooperation," Lagarde said in a statement after attending the just-concluded Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing. < "The IMF can help in this effort by providing policy advice, financial support as appropriate, and hands-on training and capacity building -- so that economies can maximize the benefits of more investment, trade, and financial connectivity, while maintaining economic and financial stability," Lagarde said.

Lagarde also said she was encouraged by the resilience of the Chinese economy and recent efforts by the Chinese government to address financial risks.

"Continued implementation of announced reforms will help strengthen the foundation for sustained, balanced and inclusive growth," she said.

The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 with an aim to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.