Expectations, impressions of Belt and Road Forum
Denis Depoux, Asia deputy president and senior partner at Roland Berger, a global consultancy
Denis Depoux, Asia deputy president and senior partner at Roland Berger, a global consultancy [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] |
"What does this initiative mean for European companies? History has rooted many European companies in Africa, Eastern Europe or Central Asia. But financing challenges, and first and foremost the insufficient infrastructure, have hindered development.
China's initiative brings structure, financing and political impetus, while the strong focus on infrastructure will swiftly enable easier trade and investment.
Many of the European infrastructure, industry equipment and services giants have a chance to leverage their experience in these regions, partner with their Chinese counterparts and develop a new, more inclusive, joint development approach.
This weekend's meeting should help market the opportunities, stimulate more response from the EU, its member states and its companies."