The report "La Nuova Via della Seta" discusses the ambitious Chinese initiative known as the "New Silk Road", which involves two main trade routes connecting the Western and Central Asia, and Southeast Asia to Africa. This initiative aims to create an economic corridor that includes both land and maritime routes. The land route connects Xi'an in China's west with Duisburg in Germany and Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The maritime route links southern China with northern and eastern Africa through countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and India.
The Chinese government is planning significant investments over the coming decades into what could be one of the largest infrastructure and diplomatic projects ever undertaken. This project has been described as having the potential to create the world's largest market.
Currently, China spends 8.5% of its GDP on infrastructure, the highest percentage globally. Understanding how to participate in such infrastructure projects is crucial for major construction companies and contractors involved in global infrastructure development. Chris Devonshire-Ellis' book, "China's New Economic Silk Road", offers insights into the countries involved and outlines opportunities and challenges for investors.
The report also highlights the main characteristics of the Economic Belt of the New Silk Road, focusing on the land route in Central Asia and the maritime route in Southeast Asia. This economic belt is expected to have a significant impact on various businesses in China, prompting a need to reflect on its possible implications.
The article concludes by mentioning the importance of understanding the potential influence of the New Silk Road initiative on various sectors within China. It also lists resources provided by Asia Briefing, including subscriptions, publications, and interactive resources related to legal and fiscal matters in the ASEAN region.
This initiative not only involves China but also other major powers from the past era, including Russia and the UK, who have historically had interests in this region. The report also touches upon the political tensions in Central Asia and the Xinjiang autonomous region in China, highlighting the Chinese strategy of promoting social order through economic growth and wealth distribution.
The report emphasizes the role of diplomacy, technology, and finance in overcoming obstacles and developing modern, efficient infrastructure networks. It also mentions the Chinese approach to promoting cooperation among Central Asian countries, exemplified by agreements between the governments of Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan aimed at modernizing parts of the Tajik railway system to facilitate trade and ensure direct access to Iran's oil reserves.
In conclusion, the New Silk Road initiative represents a bold endeavor to connect Europe and Asia through a network of old and new integrated infrastructures, leveraging China's expertise in large-scale infrastructure development.
