On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the 10th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, Indian, China, and South Africa) summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. A number of major agreements concluded the summit, including… Read more for our assessment and detailed summary. – Ziqing Zhang
On July 25th, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Johannesburg, South Africa for the 10th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit. During his visit, Xi signed Rwanda and Senegal on to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, though additional details are still forthcoming. In order to take advantage of the opportunities associated with the upcoming China-sponsored construction projects, American small and medium companies should consider entering joint-ventures with Chinese companies, especially construction companies.
Thailand would be seeking $5.5 billion-dollar bids for a high-speed rail project by end of 2018. The winning bidder would build the 157-mile route connecting central and northeastern Thailand with their neighbor to the east, Laos. American infrastructure and energy enterprises interested in investing in Thailand should consider cooperating with Thai companies like energy giant PTT Public Company Limited, urban railway operator BTS Group Holdings, and construction company CH. Karnchang Public Company Limited in-order-to avoid potential government red tape.
On June 29th 2018, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) hosted an event on China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) and how firms can work to mitigate the impacts. Since opened on May 14, 2017, BRI has initiated massive development projects that aim to improve infrastructure in developing countries throughout Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. Due to high demand and a lack of quality infrastructure in those countries, BRI is highly welcomed and needed. As increasing capital flows from both public and private sectors, today’s panel focused on what the opportunities and risks are for investors in terms of global governance and the regional impacts of BRI. The moderator for the panel was Abdulwanhab Alkebsi, the managing director for programs at CIPE, and the panel invited 3 experts from CSIS, Brookings, and CIPE to discuss on issues related to investment in BRI and global governance.
From June 19th to the 24th, Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang during Oli’s visit in Beijing to discuss Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI). Both sides expressed a willingness to work together to build a railway network across the Himalayan Mountains and increase economic ties through BRI (previously known as the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative) transportation and communication projects.
On May 25, concerns over the price tag attached to a Myanmar port construction (China’s CITIC Group won the rights 3 years ago) arose as experts questioned why the project would cost so much. In addition, the less than flattering reports of China’s motivation behind the $7.5 billion deep-sea port in Kyaukpyu are being questioned by critics of the One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR) also known as the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). – Dillon Billingham
As of May 29, following criticism over the recent years that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s administration had allowed Beijing too much influence in agreeing to China’s One Belt One Road Initiative (BRI) projects, Mahathir Mohamad of Pakatan Harapan, an opposition party, won the early May election in a huge upset. – Adriana Ray
In early May of this year, United States President Donald Trump’s announced that the U.S. would be withdrawing from the denuclearization deal with Iran and re-imposing sanctions, sending shock waves through the world. Amidst the ensuing confusion, China has made it clear they intend to increase trade with …. Read More Here. – Adriana Ray
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