China has made a sustained effort to discuss economic development around the globe.
The origins of China’s trade building slogan go back over 2000 years, to the silk road of the Han Dynasty. Although “One Belt One Road” now applies as much to sea as land routes and to ties in multiple directions.
Xi Jinping, the Chinese Premier, stated his intention to “uphold and grow an open world economy.” An understandable assertion, with routes, or facilities mapped out involving Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Sceptics have mentioned this is about spreading an ideology and power base, as much as trade. Worth noting however that the wish to spread business seems real, to feed and take forward a nation the size of no other.
Carnets To Communities
China recently held an international conference on Belt and Road construction, associated facilities and their 20th anniversary of implementing ATA carnets. An option they see as valuable in opening up the region and encourage others to adopt.
With 300 delegates attending from 35 countries, alongside chamber and international business association representatives, a useful audience to preach to. Also one we hope will follow the advice and promote carnet use when they return home.
The ICC’s Director, Anthony Parkes, summed up the opportunity. “There are more than 3660 chambers and tens of millions of entrepreneurs across the OBOR nations….they should become an influential voice on the global stage by forging tangible cooperation.”
Alongside their changing military and political stance, of course a trade initiative will embody China’s wish to take center stage in world affairs. Not least in a period where China came out rather differently than the West following the 2008 crash.
There is still a need to succeed commercially underlying One Belt One Road, otherwise a nation with a population 20 times the size of the UK can not prosper. We are pleased to see ATA carnets playing a small part and hope the initiative does spread prosperity.
Update – Seven months after this post, the Chinese government decided to accept all ATA carnet categories, rather than just for trade shows. By all means see more on Ata Carnets for China and available support.