More silicon than silk… BRI may have been inspired by ancient Silk Roads, but it’s a very modern project, driven increasingly by China’s approach to developing technology and trade.
Click the buttons on the left to learn more about key BRI sectors.
China’s ‘vaccine diplomacy’ in MENA is boosting the prospects of the Health Silk Road, a plan to develop healthcare infrastructure and knowhow – including health tech – in Belt and Road countries.
COVID / hsr
Chinese entities at work on smart cities and similar projects in MENA are helping to build the Digital Silk Road, a network of tech influence intertwined with China’s strategic trade routes.
Smart Cities / dsr
The transition from hydrocarbons to renewable energy has very different implications for different MENA countries. BRI funding and Chinese technology figure prominently in some national energy plans.
renewable energy
China’s BRI strategy for MENA includes integrating the construction and operation of industrial parks in Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE with the development of regional ports and transportation networks.
INDUSTRIAL PARKS
Strategic ports are vital to the Maritime Silk Road. Chinese businesses continue to invest in port-related projects in MENA nations including Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Ports
For many years, Chinese companies have worked on – and sometimes financed – major rail projects in various MENA nations. These not only improve domestic transport but also facilitate BRI trade connectivity.
Rail
renewable energy
