The EastWest Institute, in partnership with the German Institute for International and Security Affairs—SWP—organized a presentation of the recent SWP study: “Movement on the Silk Road” in EWI’s Brussels office on November 27.

According to the study, China’s Belt and Road Initiative—which involves freight transit via high-speed trains to Western Europe—will require major and urgently needed reforms along the borders of Central Asian countries, particularly in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This entails opportunities but also risks for European companies.

The presentation was followed by a panel discussion addressing the economic outlook for the region, the EU’s common interests with China, and how synergies could be used to positively influence reforms. The expert exchange also included practitioner’s views on what the business sphere perceives as Europe’s role in the initiative, from an economic point of view.

The event was held under the Chatham House Rule and brought together representatives from think tanks and the EU policy and business communities.  

The full study can be found here.

Photo: China Panorama (CC BY 2.0) by laureltopias