China’s ‘one belt, one road’: a risk assessment report

18/05/2016

The Economist Intelligence Unit (May 2016)

In this report, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) unpacks China’s “one belt, one road” plan and explores the risks that will face companies seeking opportunities in the OBOR territories. It has been indicated that up to 60 countries may be included in OBOR with stops across three different continents. In addition to political objectives, OBOR brings a strategic focus which encourages Chinese firms to go abroad in search of new markets or investment opportunities. Led from the highest levels of the government the OBOR push is backed by substantial financial firepower, with the government has launching a US$ 50 bn. Silk Road Fund that will directly support the OBOR mission. While the strategy promises opportunities for domestic companies, the route is unlikely to be an even one. The proposed countries range from Singapore to Syria. The companies involved could be heading into territories that may be strategically important for China’s foreign relations, but challenging to navigate.