Belt and  Road Initiative: A New Window for Regional Integration 

One Thursday, 26^th May, 2018, KDI School of Public and Policy and Management and the KDI International Forum (IRF) received the vice president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC) as a special guest to deliver a presentation on  “Belt and Road Initiative”. 

The purpose of the seminar was to provide an opportunity for students to  enrich their understanding about the Initiative launched in 2013 by the Peoples’ Republic of China aimed at expanding economic integration, growth and multilateral cooperation between countries located along the old Silk Road.

Mr. Qu Weixi focused his speech on the importance of the Silk Road and explained that the mentioned project connects China with Europe through Central and East Asia, and elaborated on the implications of the One Belt, One road for governments and policy communities of countries engaged in the process.

 The speaker provided detailed information on number and types of infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and emphasized that it would create new employment and procurement opportunities within countries included in the initiative and will also, provide for the SMEs to function as new driving force for fast economic development. He asserted that in the long run, the initiative would help the intended countries to witness positive improvements in areas such as transportation, trade and economic opportunities.

The Special lecture concluded by following question and answers on issues related to financial issues of the project, the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on geo-strategic balance of power in the region and what strategy China is currently using to more countries to join the project and engage with more global partners.