‘One Belt One Road’ initiative needs bigger EU part
THE EU SHOULD play a much more active role in the Chinese “One Belt One Road” initiative and implement specific projects within the framework of this policy, former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said.
Yesterday, the French politician participated in the opening ceremony of the two-day international expert forum held in Beijing, dedicated to the significance and global impact of the 19th congress of the Communist Party of China.
“The EU states are already engaged in co-operation with China via the capital of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
“However, the EU should increase the level of its participation in the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative.
These instruments should co-operate more actively, implementing specific projects.
It could be reached by means of the European Investment Bank or, for example, of French Fund of Innovations.
“These instruments should co-operate more actively, implementing specific projects within the framework of the ‘One Belt One Road’,” the former French official said.
De Villepin added that the Chinese companies could face certain difficulties, while investing in joint projects with EU member states, and this problem should be addressed by creating incentives for a mutually beneficial economic co-operation between Brussels and Beijing.
“The European Commission and the governments of several EU states are concerned over the investments of the Chinese companies in strategic spheres of economy.
“I am convinced that the EU should not give up on other countries by introducing endless checks.
Brussels and Beijing will discuss a number of bilateral issues in January next year.
“The EU countries should build co-operation on a mutually beneficial basis, just like China does,” the former official added.
De Villepin specified that Brussels and Beijing would discuss a number of bilateral issues during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to China, which is expected to take place in January next year.
China’s “One Belt, One Road” strategy was first announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 and is aimed at developing infrastructure and strengthening ties between the Eurasian countries, as well as with the regions in the vicinity of Eurasia, such as Africa and Oceania, focusing on the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road.