"More than 1,000 years ago, the ancient Silk Road promoted language learning and translation as well as business exchanges," says Zhai Dongsheng, deputy director of the Department of Western Region Development of the National Development and Reform Commission.

"There are more than 60 languages used by people living in the countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. But 18 of them are not being taught in universities in China ... Language professionals are badly needed in the future as more international cooperation projects are underway."

Though the language-service market keeps growing, lack of industry standards has been an obstacle that hinders its healthy development, a vicious spiral that encourages unqualified translators who work for low pay.

For English-Chinese translation, more than 60 percent of the work was done at a low rate－below 200 yuan per 1,000 words.

Together with the report, the first professional standards within the industry were released by the Translators Association of China.

"Releasing standards is just a beginning, and implementing them is the vital part," says Zhang Shibin, vice-chairman of the association. "Next, we will start the promotion, training and execution of the standards."