From Beijing to Madrid: How the New Silk Road is revolutionising global trade
The New Silk Road, also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is an ambitious infrastructure project launched by China’s President Xi Jinping in 2013. The aim of the BRI is to create and modernise trade routes connecting China with Europe, Africa and other parts of Asia.
This network of roads, railways, ports and pipelines spans around 70 countries and has the potential to have a profound impact on the global economy.
What exactly is the New Silk Road?
It consists of two main components:
The Silk Road Economic Belt (Belt): This land route stretches from China through Central Asia to Europe. It includes railway connections, roads and energy pipelines. Key projects include the railway link from Yiwu in China to Madrid in Spain, which has significantly reduced the transport time for goods.
The Maritime Silk Road: This maritime trade route connects Chinese ports with Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe. Important projects include the expansion of the port of Gwadar in Pakistan and the creation of trade routes across the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean.
China’s New Silk Road: A path to global networking and economic change
The impact of the New Silk Road on the global economy is complex and far-reaching:
- Promoting trade: By expanding infrastructure and shortening transport times, trade costs are reduced. This facilitates the export of Chinese goods and the import of raw materials. Countries along the New Silk Road benefit from improved trade links and economic growth opportunities.
- Investment and financing: China is investing billions of dollars in infrastructure projects, often in the form of loans to participating countries. These investments promote economic growth, but can also lead to dependence on Chinese loans and increase the debt of the recipient countries.
- Geopolitical influence: The BRI strengthens China’s geopolitical position by deepening trade and investment relations. This can increase the participating countries’ economic and political dependence on China and expand China’s influence on the global stage.
- Infrastructure development: The BRI brings much-needed infrastructure to many developing countries. Improved transport and communication networks can boost economic development, facilitate access to markets and contribute to poverty reduction.
- Challenges and criticism: The BRI also faces challenges. Critics point to the lack of transparency, the environmental impact and the debt risks. Some countries have difficulties repaying the high loans, which can lead to tensions.
The New Silk Road is a central element of China’s economic and geopolitical strategy. It offers enormous opportunities for economic development and global trade, but also harbours risks and challenges. The long-term impact of the BRI on the global economy will depend on the ability of the countries involved to maximise the benefits and manage the risks. It remains to be seen how this ambitious project will develop over the coming decades.
An expert in this field is keynote speaker Frank Sieren. With his in-depth knowledge and many years of experience, he offers an invaluable insight into the dynamics of this new era of global interdependence. His analyses not only offer a clear perspective on the opportunities and challenges presented by the New Silk Road, but also shed light on the subtle aspects of Sino-European relations.
At a time when the global economy is having to adapt to new realities, Frank Sieren offers guidance and insight. His lectures are the best opportunity to be informed and inspired by one of the leading minds in this field.
Other public speakers and experts on the topics of China as a global power, the New Silk Road and economic policy are:
Barbara Lüthi – China and South East Asia expert
Joschka Fischer – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs & Vice Chancellor of Germany
Josef Braml – Expert on the USA, Geopolitics & Geo-economics
Arne Elias Corneliussen – Expert on Geopolitical Trends, ESG, AI, global Business & Finance and Business Strategies
Marcel Fratzscher – Economist, Expert in Finance & Economy
Arturo Bris – Professor of Finance at IMD Lausanne, Director of the World Competitiveness Centre
Zak Dychtwald – Founder & CEO of the Young China Group, which focusses on the development of China’s millennials and their emerging identity on the world stage.
For more information about our speakers and experts on the Silk Road, China and global trade, please contact us. Likewise, if you would like to book one of the public speakers for a presentation: 1 (704) 804 1054 or welcome@premium-speakers.com