EU offers fair dealing in its 'Belt and Road' response

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fair Trade ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fair Dealing ◽  
Digital Network ◽  
Transport Connectivity ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
The Eu

Subject The EU's answer to Belt and Road. Significance A strategy paper called 'Connecting Europe and Asia' is the most detailed exposition to date of the EU's emerging approach towards China's Belt and Road transport infrastructure initiative. It envisages investment in land, sea and air routes, and improved digital network connections, all founded on fair trade, EU market rules and new partnerships with Asian countries. Impacts The EU strategy may encourage states in Eastern Europe to avoid over-reliance on China. In landlocked Central Asia, there is little the EU can offer that outweighs the transport connectivity opportunities offered by China. Russia's response will be important: it may find EU initiatives more attractive than expanding Chinese economic influence.

Modeling and optimization of road transport facility operations

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy H.F. Chow ◽  
Ying Li
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Flow ◽  
Travel Demand ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Mathematical Framework ◽  
Global Optimality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transport Facility ◽  
Traffic Theory

Purpose – This paper aims to present a linear mathematical framework for modeling and optimizing road transport infrastructure. The framework assesses and optimizes performance of existing transport facility rather than relying on building new roads for the ever-increasing travel demand. Design/methodology/approach – The mathematical framework is built upon a traffic model called Cell Transmission Model (CTM). CTM describes the relationship and evolution of traffic flow and concentration over space and time. The model is parsimonious and accurate in predicting traffic dynamics. More importantly, the traffic flow model is piecewise linear with which the corresponding transport facility optimization problem can be formulated as a Linear Programming (LP) problem and solved by established solution algorithm for global optimality. Findings – We select a section on England Motorway M25 as a case study. With traffic data, we first calibrate the CTM, and we are able to produce traffic estimation with a reasonable error rate of 12 per cent. The corresponding LP then seeks an optimal ramp metering strategy that minimizes the delay on the motorway. It is shown that an optimal and practical strategy can be derived which reduces the motorway delay by 10 per cent without significantly hurting the surrounding connectors. Originality/value – Instead of the tedious microscopic models used by many traditional tools, the underlying CTM is parsimonious and reliable. The tools developed herein are based upon plausible traffic theory and will be accessible for a wide range of users. The LP formulation can be easily implemented and solved for optimal and practical control strategies for real-world transport networks by using existing computer software (CPLEX) within reasonable computational time. The present work will certainly contribute to the sustainable development of transport facility.

China’s Balkan investments will expand into new areas

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Belt And Road Initiative ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Local Economies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Currency ◽  
Transport Connectivity ◽  
Balkan Countries ◽  
Chinese Policy ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
Second Wave

Subject BRI’s evolving nature. Significance China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is establishing ‘anchor’ investments and creating BRI clusters, particularly in transport connectivity and energy. Such anchor investments as Cosco’s in Piraeus or Belgrade’s Friendship Bridge serve as catalysts, attracting more Chinese companies and setting the stage for expansion. Impacts Continued concessional lending by Chinese policy banks for infrastructure projects in Balkan countries will increase the risk of debt traps. Mitigating the currency risks of such lending arrangements by switching to local currency lending will gain pace. A second wave of BRI-related activities is starting with Huawei, Tencent, Alibaba and WeChat making inroads in local economies.

Alternative may emerge to full Turkish accession to EU

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Trade Agreements ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Business Climate ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Foreign Ministers ◽  
The Eu

Significance Erdogan has not softened his line towards the EU, but there has been some vacillation in the EU's approach. While EU signals on Turkey have been becoming sharper, at the informal April 28-29 foreign ministers' meeting in Malta attended by ministers from the candidate countries, the Union stepped back from a confrontation with Turkey. Impacts The lira could weaken again despite its recovery in early 2017. The business climate will be very subdued, with medium-term investment becoming more unstable. Turkey will seek trade agreements with Asian countries such as India to try to reduce the EU's role in its economy. Middle Eastern investment will continue to be welcome in Turkey, while conditions for EU investors could worsen.

A state-wise performance appraisal of the Indian roads using PROMETHEE-GIS approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 3338-3356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shankar Chakraborty ◽  
Rajeev Ranjan ◽  
Poulomi Mondal
Keyword(s):  
Performance Appraisal ◽  
Road Network ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
The State ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Preference Ranking ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Road

Purpose A road network provides arterial arrangement to facilitate business, transport, social integration and economic progress of any nation. During the last seven decades after independence, road transport infrastructure in India has expanded manifold, both in terms of spread (total length and density of road) and capacity (number of on-road registered vehicles, and volume of passenger and freight traffic handled). But, with the enrichment of road transport network in India, the number of traffic accidents and total cost for maintaining the road infrastructure also keeps on increasing. It becomes necessary to evaluate state-wise performance of the Indian roads using some mathematical tools. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, using preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations (PROMETHEE) and geometrical analysis for interactive aid (GAIA) approaches, an attempt is made to appraise the state-wise performance of Indian roads based on 12 critically important criteria. A geographic information system method and a hue-saturation-value color coding scheme are also employed to identify the influence of individual criterion on the overall rank of 29 Indian states. Findings It is observed that amongst all the considered states, the road conditions in the states of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh are really satisfactory, whereas Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are the lagging states requiring governmental intervention and support to enhance their road network infrastructure. Practical implications This analysis would help the decision makers to identify the strengths and deficiencies of each Indian state with respect to its road conditions so that proper promotional and growth actions can be implemented. Originality/value From the review of the existing literature, it is quite evident that till date, no research work has been conducted in order to evaluate the performance of roads, and their conditions and characteristic features in the Indian context. In this paper, the state-wise performance of the Indian roads is appraised based on several identified parameters using a combined PROMETHEE-GAIA approach.

scholarly journals Chinese Investment in Transport Infrastructure in the EU: a Stimulus for Development of Bilateral Trade?

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 152-169
Author(s):  
K. A. Gemueva
Keyword(s):  
Bilateral Trade ◽  
Optimal Transport ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Chinese Investment ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Port Facilities ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

Under the Belt and Road Initiative, particular importance is attached to transport networks development projects, including the creation of optimal transport routes and reorientation of existing supply chains based on the interests of China. This implies the active participation of Chinese companies in investing, financing and implementing projects in the field of transport infrastructure. The article examines the impact of Chinese investment in EU transport infrastructure facilities on the volume of freight traffic between China and the EU through these facilities. Most of the real Chinese investment are directed to the development of port facilities. European airports are also of great interest to Chinese investors, however, under the influence of many factors, only a few projects are successful. China is making significant efforts to establish direct rail links with EU countries. Nevertheless, the share of this type of transport is not yet comparable with freight turnover by sea and air, and future development is limited by a number of factors. Currently, COSCO’s investment in the Greek port of Piraeus is the only example of a significant increase in cargo turnover between China and the EU through an infrastructure under control, however, some ongoing projects could potentially repeat the success of COSCO in the near future. The author concludes that the approaches of the Chinese leadership to the transport infrastructure development are varied. Failures in the implementation of separate projects and the cautious attitude of Brussels towards Chinese investments do not stop China’s planned efforts focused on the long term perspective.

Digital Silk Road will boost China's ICT sector

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Small Firms ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Silk Road ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Advanced Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Environments ◽  
Innovative Capability ◽  
Quality Technology ◽  
Belt And Road

Subject China's Digital Silk Road. Significance The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) originated as a plan to build transport infrastructure across Eurasia and the Indian Ocean rim. However, it has acquired a digital component as policymakers and executives in the telecoms, technology and space sectors jump on the bandwagon and roll out ambitious internationalisation plans. Impacts Cyberattacks could be a problem for the new digital infrastructure given China's poor record in cybersecurity. The innovative capability of Chinese firms and their expertise in working in difficult business environments should not be underestimated. Advanced-country governments and businesses will face increasing competition in Eurasia. China could eventually become a source of high-quality technology standards and regulations with a global impact, like the EU today. E-commerce services will give small firms better access to international markets, bypassing traditional multinational gatekeepers.

Uncovering China’s cooperative economic strategy efforts in Asia

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Free Trade Agreements ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Belt And Road ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on the focus and inherent challenges of China’s efforts to unite the Asian region for mutual economic benefit. Chinese Government-led free trade agreements with other Asian countries, a promotion of China’s RMB currency, and the Belt and Road infrastructure initiative are all being pursued as ways of networking Asia into firm competitor to western countries like the USA on the world trade stage. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists, and researchers’ hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals The Belt and Road Initiative as a tool for promoting EU-China trade. Poland’s case

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-40
Author(s):  
Alina Szypulewska-Porczyńska
Keyword(s):  
Bilateral Trade ◽  
Market Access ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Belt And Road Initiative ◽  
Railway Transport ◽  
China Trade ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
The Belt And Road ◽  
The Eu

The aim of the study is to evaluate the potential role of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for promoting EU – China trade, and especially Poland – China trade. We test two hypotheses: 1) Non-tariff barriers (NTBs), particularly related to railway transport, are significant for Poland – China trade, and 2) Poland – China trade fits railway transport well. Therefore, we start with a study of the significance of tariff and non-tariff barriers in mutual trade relations, including transport-related barriers. NTBs are mainly derived from the EU Market Access database, and as for transport-related barriers – the logistics performance index (LPI) is used. As the next step, we study the composition of bilateral trade in static and dynamic terms using the OECD TiVA database. In the light of the significant increase in NTBs on EU manufacturing products exported to China and the railway transport infrastructure performance in Poland, the BRI could become an effective tool for improving the business environment for EU exporters. By contrast, the BRI project is more suitable for China and the EU as a whole than for Poland in terms of commodity structure of bilateral trade.

EU-Asia Connectivity: France’s Three Largest Cities and China’s Belt and Road

2020 ◽  
Vol 03 (01) ◽  
pp. 2050001
Author(s):  
Jean-Paul Larçon ◽  
Corinne Vadcar
Keyword(s):  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Human Interactions ◽  
Economic Competitiveness ◽  
The Past ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
Political Borders ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

The concept of connectivity has over the past decades become central to economic competitiveness, especially in a world of value chains. It now tends to have both a strategic dimension - in a renewed geopolitical context - and a sustainable dimension - with global warming. This is particularly true in the EU-Asia relationship. The strengthening of this connectivity, particularly in the case of transport infrastructure (maritime, rail, air and submarine), provides opportunities for trade in goods, services and data but also human interactions between the two regions. But it goes further with the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While Europe has for several decades paid considerable attention to connectivity within its political borders, nothing was preparing it to the impact of this multifaceted initiative. This is particularly evident for the three largest French metropolitan areas (Paris, Lyon and Marseille), which show different degrees of connectivity with China, depending on whether it is a maritime, rail, air or submarine route. While it is not possible to simplify the connectivity with China of each city to only one aspect, it nevertheless appears that Paris has a powerful advantage on the air route, Lyon potentially on the rail route and Marseille on the submarine route.

Belarus rushes to be part of Chinese trade initiative

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Park ◽  
Belt And Road Initiative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Joint Project ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
Chinese Trade ◽  
The Eu

Significance Belarus is creating a new role and identity for itself by hosting a large industrial park, a joint project with China and a key component of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The park is intended to give China a manufacturing and logistical base close to a major rail route into the EU, and boost Belarus's moribund economy. Impacts The Minsk government's role in BRI will alter and enhance its image in Europe. The park operates by its own rules but some hope an innovative and unbureaucratic culture will spread to the wider Belarusian economy. Chinese loans will be comparatively modest and Belarus will still borrow from Russia and Western states. Minsk will host a regional BRI forum in July.

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