The aim of this paper is to examine how the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) influences trade between participating regions, by paying attention to infrastructure and facilitating trade. Applying a combination of gravity models and cases from several regions, we look at the connection between BRI’s infrastructure spending, changes in trade facilitation, and how this affects the volume of trade between countries. From our analysis, we find that improving infrastructure is very important for long-term trade, but initiatives in trade facilitation matters, like faster custom operations and compatible regulations, greatly help as well. This research gives policymakers and development agencies scientific ideas on how best to allocate resources associated with BRI initiatives.