We are forming a multinational network of experienced researchers and executives on policies, practicalities and opportunities related to the One Belt, One Road Initiative; sometimes also called “The New Silkroad”. Soon there will be a website launched at www.silkroadexplained.com providing information and commentary on the status quo and developments.
When thinking about business opportunities in the New Silkroad context, what comes to mind first are extensive infrastructure and energy projects. Railways, ports, highways, pipelines and power plants, including their financing services, have been in focus in the first stage and still are. But these operations serve a purpose, which is to create economic opportunities along the way. For centuries, where trade routes crossed, wealth immerged, cities flourished, living standards rose, and migration drove goods and services' demands.
Different countries, participate and benefit differently from the Silkroad. There are those which are getting alternative logistic connections with their traditional trading partners, like Europe's railway connection to China. In the volatility of geopolitical conditions, these can even become a vital lifeline. Other countries benefit from the FDI influx and later use the infrastructure to access new markets, potentially upgrading industries from raw materials, over manufacturing to higher-margin goods and services. Also, transit countries can participate in upgrading handling capabilities, once the infrastructure is in place. Lastly becomes visible, even the direct cost of low efficiency, instability and corruption. Participation in trade need reliable partners, and volatility becomes a missed opportunity.
Infrastructure opportunities
Infrastructure investments are the main foundation and pillar of the Silkroad. There are myths around infrastructure projects would "all go to Chinese State-owned Companies." Chinese companies have capabilities and technology to operate in environments with thin infrastructure. These reach from building railroad tracks in permafrost to telecom and digital infrastructure. But this does not mean that a large proportion of projects outside China are not projects awarded to Chinese companies. With the need for stronger multinational leveraging of financing, there is no interest in over-dominating Silkroad projects with Chinese contractors.
Financing opportunities
The AIIB is an example of a multinational bank, based in Beijing, dedicated to investing in Asian infrastructure. But with the need for international leverage, financial institutions and governments from around the world participate in the financing of Silkroad projects. This is also where many of the most capable practitioners are found.
Increase and movement of purchasing power
Increased purchasing power and migration are the foundation for the demand for goods and services in a region. Rising professional opportunities and standard are like a magnet and in some areas have proved to be able to revert trends of people moving to large cities. This creates opportunities reaching from retail to supporting functions.
Where whole cities are built up and redesigned, the spectrum of opportunities reaches from urban planning to architecture projects to development and construction.
Qualification and training opportunities
Building up an operation in a new region to be developed and upgraded always poses challenges in finding qualified human resources. Qualification, training and education are the key dimensions on how to overcome the short supply of workers. It includes cultural integration and exchange as a foundation of bilateral cooperation.
Health and Sustainability
The Health Silkroad and the Green Silkroad are the newest additions to the programme. They follow the bare necessity of providing better healthcare services in emerging markets and the apparent learning that much damage and cost can be avoided by choosing and implementing more sustainable economic developments models.