Source: CNTV    Published: 2015-11-4

During Chinese President Xi Jinping`s recent visit to the United Kingdom, the British expressed their support for the Belt and Road initiative. Nearly 10 countries are directly involved, some other countries offer indirect support. The initiative can promote social and economic development for all nations participating.

Europe: Cooperation and Win-Win

The "Belt and Road" initiative brings the vibrant East Asia economic circle and European economic circles together, and creates a win-win for areas along the routes.

At the end of September 2015, Ma Kai, China’s vice-premier of the State Council and Jyrki Katainen, vice-president of the European Commission, co-chaired the fifth China-EU High level economic and trade dialogue in Beijing.

Both sides focused on the "Belt and Road" initiative and the "European investment program." They signed a memorandum of understanding to build a connectivity platform.  

Many British companies want to join China`s "Belt and Road" development plan. London proposed a revitalization plan for northern England, particularly the old industrial cities, such as Manchester and Liverpool.

Among more than 60 "Belt and Road" related countries, Eastern European countries have accounted for one-fourth of those nations involved, which is an important part of the global emerging markets and a new growth point for China-EU trade.

Herald Murrell, secretary of state of the Austrian research and economic affairs ministry, said Austria is an ideal landing place for Chinese enterprises operating in Europe.

Vienna offers plenty of market opportunities for "Belt and Road" construction. Austria has its own expertise in certain fields. Austria offers strong support in green technologies, sustainable development and problem-solving.

During his recent visit to China, Cyprus President Anastasiades said the "Belt and Road" initiative is essential for peace and prosperity to all Asian countries, and a valuable opportunity for Europe`s sustainable development.

Cyprus is located in a connecting strip of Afro-European countries, an important transit island to build the Maritime Silk Road.

Middle East Africa: Great Potential

Located at the Euro-Asia Continental Bridge, Turkey is pushing ahead on the Silk Road Corridor project, and China`s "Belt and Road" initiative. Both sides have great cooperative potential in infrastructure construction, autos, textile and other fields.

Chinese Ambassador to Turkey Embassy commercial counselor Zhu Guangyao believes Turkey straddling Asia and Europe was vital to the ancient Silk Road, and is a land, sea and air transport hub for the Middle East, with favorable traffic conditions for China.

Culture Councilor of Egypt Embassy to China Hussein Ibrahim said Egypt responded positively to the "Belt and Road" initiative. Cairo`s opening of the new Suez Canal can promote the initiative to boost further trade development with China.

Since the beginning of last year, Cairo has dug a new channel on the Suez Canal, widening the old channel and launching the "Suez Canal corridor economic belt" that include building roads, airports, ports and other infrastructure, as well as a number of high technology projects. The whole project would cost approximately US$8 billion.

A researcher of the Egypt regional strategic research center believes China`s "Belt and Road" initiative offers a historical opportunity for China-Arab cooperation.

Just like Egypt`s Suez Canal industrial park development and the construction of a new capital, "Belt and Road" construction would be complementary for China and Arab nations.