Skip to main content
 Belt and Road Initiative Platform

Belt and Road Initiative Platform

By Sophie Christopher

The ambitious programme to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via Land and Maritime networks along the six corridors with the aim of improving regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth. The projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are mainly related to Infrastructure development in the transport, energy, mining, IT and Communications sector, but also cover industrial parks, special Economic Zones, tourism and urban development. Improving connectivity and cooperation, boost trade and stimulate economic growth. Strengthening soft infrastructure.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Bulgaria and Croatia The Three Seas Initiatives and The BRI in Europe Series Seven with Dr. Sebastien Goulard

Belt and Road Initiative PlatformNov 04, 2021

00:00
48:52
China -Sri Lanka Trade Cultural Links over The Years- BRI

China -Sri Lanka Trade Cultural Links over The Years- BRI

The topic will be spoken in three eras of Sri Lanka- China Trade, cultural links over the years starting from 415AC to the current belt and road initiative between these two ears in post independence relations. 

Ancient Times - Historical and cultural ties between the two countries extend back hundreds of years. Diplomatic tiers between Sri-Lanka and China have been very close especially during Sri Lanka freedom party government on Feb 7 1957, China and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations. 

Post Independence Relations - Post independent Sri Lanka fostered state-level economics ties with China at a time it was not envisaged, however, once established; trade relations expanded and even influenced other area of Sino- Lanka relations. 

Belt and Road Era - Sri Lankan - Chinese relations in Belt and Road era can be considered the era of China-centric infrastructure development with completing massive projects including the biggest flow of FDI's and PPP in Sri Lankan history. 


The recordings have been made in its natural state, you will hear background noise and natural noise in the recordings. 

Feb 02, 202247:05
Bulgaria and Croatia The Three Seas Initiatives and The BRI in Europe Series Seven with Dr. Sebastien Goulard

Bulgaria and Croatia The Three Seas Initiatives and The BRI in Europe Series Seven with Dr. Sebastien Goulard

In series Seven Dr Sebastien Goulard talks about Central Europe, the Three Seas Initiatives if this can be developed along the Belt and Road Initiative to support connectivity between Europe and China. 

In late October 2020 the Three Seas Summit was held in Estonia. The initiative launched jointly by Poland and Croatia in 2015 aims at fostering dialogue and connectivity among Central Europe EU members located between the Adriatic, Baltic and Black sea. The three Seas Initiative may become another vital tool for connecting Europe to the Belt and Road Initiative. 

A large number of multilateral projects have been conducted under the Three Seas Initiatives, principally in energy, digitisation and transportation. 

Nov 04, 202148:52
The Belt and Road Webinar Series Two- The Pre Bri China Sri Lanka Verse Post BRI with Yasiru Ranaraja

The Belt and Road Webinar Series Two- The Pre Bri China Sri Lanka Verse Post BRI with Yasiru Ranaraja

Sri Lanka is located in the the Indian ocean.

The podcast talks about the Pre and Post BRI and the years of Civil unrest in Sri Lanka. It looks at how things have changed during these times and looks at what construction projects are happening or will be taking place. The BRI projects started in 2013.

Yasirus Ranaraja talks about the Pre BRI and the lack of stability, funding, how ports were stalled and highways were stalled. Plus the unstably of the government. The Civil war in Sri Lanka ended in 2011, with projects starting soon afterwards. Yasirus highlights the problems of getting funding from the international markets.

We discuss how China put into place the Economics Strategy and the implications of this. 

How and why Sri Lanka was labelled a debt trap. 

Port City Colombo and the construction of the financial City now underway. How these projects are helping small and Medium Businesses. 

The challenges regarding reclaiming land from the sea and other major challenges that were faced and how these were overcome. 

Port City is located next to Colombo Port to attract shipping business from international companies from around the world, with many linkages having already in place in Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka has deep ports for the mega ships, with feeders ships servicing local ports and areas in the Indian Ocean. The BRI is engaged in historical and cultural links to maximise economic output.

Yasiru talks about the Dam built for fresh water for the 30,000 framers who depend on fresh water for growing crops. This project started in 1970 but still on going and was the biggest project that had taken place in Sri Lanka at that time. 

Lots of local debates are taking place, with businesses and people asking how they can get their goods and services in to the International markets. How to close the Export gap and how to tap in to the European and Japanese markets. 

Proper microphones placement retain the natural sounds in our recordings as you would hear them originally. This recording method, enables us to provide you with a truly real experience. Real. Natural.

Jun 29, 202152:07
The Belt and Road Initiative Series Belgium with Dr Sebastien Goulard

The Belt and Road Initiative Series Belgium with Dr Sebastien Goulard

In this series Dr. Sebastein Goulard talks about Belgium. Belgium has not signed an MOU and no formal agreement has been signed with China regarding the BRI. But Belgium has central location, Placed well for Chinese Companies. Belgium is a very business friendly Alibaba has a large warehouse in Belgium. Belgium has a knowhow to export products in Europe and open to foreign markets. Belgium and China have a very strong relationship. Belgium is great place for Chineses companies to establish business. 

Two important ports Antwerp and Burges, these ports are working together with Rotterdam in Netherlands. Cooperation in place for good links. These ports are connected high roads, and railways and airports. Belgium is one of the most important to the BRI. 

The BRI is about connectivity and Dr. Sebastein Goulard touches upon Bulgaria requires inward investment. Belgium does not requires financing from Chineses banks. In Bulgaria conducting business is much more difficult, understanding the market for the foreign investments investments for Chineses Companies. 

The BRI offers many opportunities at many different levels, especially for businesses looking to expand their products and services on the markets. 

Dr. Sebastein Goulard explains that having a united front when dealing with China and the BRI, to have the same rules, same position regarding China. The Union requires coordination and corporation. 

The China Markets are Challenging. 

Proper microphone placement to retain the natural sounds in our recordings as you would hear them originally. This recording method enables us to provide you with a truly real experience. Real. Natural.

Jun 29, 202143:12
Austria Friendly Strategic Partnership, 16 + one Dialogue Mechanism with Dr. Sebastien Goulard

Austria Friendly Strategic Partnership, 16 + one Dialogue Mechanism with Dr. Sebastien Goulard

Dr. Sebastien Goulard is the founder, coordinator and chief editor of OBOReurope.  

Austria has not joined official joined the BRI but has signed a a friendship Partnership 2018 with China, Austria has said that it is willing join but no official BRI project currently. Austria does not require any infrastructure projects, it role could be as a hub for Central and Western Europe as a connector for finance and E-Commerce but not infrastructure. Talks about the Beijing 2022 Winter Games and Sport Cooperation with Government to Government agreements.      

Dr. Sebastein Goulard talks about the the big difference between Central European Countries and Western European Countries reason for participating in the BRI.                                                                                                                                                                  

Jun 21, 202150:49
Sri Lanka Port City Colombo With Maya Mayuerank Series seven

Sri Lanka Port City Colombo With Maya Mayuerank Series seven

Maya Mayuerank is Director Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lank, Professional Aid Worker Support Services and PHD Student. 

Port City Colombo is a brand new city development built as an extension of the Central Business District of Sri Lanka vibrant commercial capital.Spanning 269 hectares of reclaimed land from the sea, Port City Colombo will be South Asia's premiere residential, retail and business destination, offering unmatched planned city living along the warm waters of the Indian ocean. The development will comprise of 5 different percents, including the Financial District, Central Park Living, Island Living, The Marina and the International Island.

When completed, Port City Colombo will have over 5.6 million square meters of built space, boasting the best design and standards. Its lifestyle and business offerings will include world-class facilities and spaces in Healthcare, Education, Entertainment, Hotels, and Restaurants, retail and Office with an integrated Resort and a Marina, Offering the best in living by the sea. Built on the latest sustainable city designs, and smart city concepts, Port City Colombo will be the most Lovable city in South Asia.

Apr 23, 202158:33
European Union and The Belt and Road Initiative with Dr. Sebastien Goulard Series Four

European Union and The Belt and Road Initiative with Dr. Sebastien Goulard Series Four

In this series we discuss  the European Union and the Belt and Road Initiative. Why the Belt and Road is not just about China but a Global project which can strengthen interconnections. 

The OBOReurope publishes reports and working papers on relations between the European Union and all the states involved in the One belt one Road Initiative. 

Why experience sharing is important and how we can learn from China. 


Apr 07, 202147:49
The Belt and Road Trade and Investment with Dr. Sebastien Goulard Series Three

The Belt and Road Trade and Investment with Dr. Sebastien Goulard Series Three

Dr. Sebastien Goulard is the Founder, Coordinator and Chief editor of OBOReurope. He works as a consultant at Cooperans, a public affairs consultancy specialised in sustainable development, governance and Sino-European relations. Sebastien Goulard holds a doctorate in economic and sustainable development from Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences), Paris. 

Series Three will discuss Trade and Investment along the BRI. Strengthens, weakness, opportunities and threats. As well as opportunities for medium and small business along the Belt and Road. 

Feb 09, 202155:34
The European Union and the Belt and Road Initiative With Dr Sebastien Goulard Part 2.

The European Union and the Belt and Road Initiative With Dr Sebastien Goulard Part 2.

For Countries along the Belt and Road the foundation of cooperation is based on five major principles aimed at promoting (1) the Policy coordination, (2) Facilities connectivity, (3) Unimpeded trade, (4) Financial integration, (5) Sharing of ideas among the people. 

This webinar series looks at the Regulatory framework for large, medium structures. The Belt and Road is about legal procedures and how to trade between China and Europe. The webinar looks at the three Belt and Road courts for disputes, China and Europe courts solution for disputes along the  BRI. The Financial Institutions involvement with legal systems discussed, and legal jurisdiction for contracts. 

  • Trade and Investments Risks and SWOT.
  • Challenges and business customs.
  • economic openness.
  • trade and non trade barriers.
  • Legals 
  • Small medium sized business. 
  • Chamber of commerce
  • Large companies legal departments. 
  • Economic openness.
  • Trade and non trade barriers 
  • Investment incentives. 
Jan 17, 202154:08
The European Union and the Belt and Road Initiative with Dr Sebastien Goulard

The European Union and the Belt and Road Initiative with Dr Sebastien Goulard

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

Dr. Sebastien Goulard is the founder and coordinator and chief editor of OBOReurope. 

Sophie Christopher is Founder and  Vice President of the China Business Forum. 

Europe a major destination of the Belt and Road Initiative ( for both maritime and continental routes but Europe is mixed about the BRI). 

  1. The webinar will look at the National answers to the BRI.
  • Central and Eastern Europe (Investment and Infrastructure).
  • South EU Countries (Italy, Portugal and Greece) Investments in state companies and Utilities. 
  • Western Europe (Luxembourg and non EU Switzerland for financial matter. 

But major Western EU (Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain Sweden..) haven't. 

Reasons: The rule of law Problems with tender for BRO Projects. Competition between large EU countries and China State Companies. 

BUT many German companies involved in BRI projects abroad. In Europe, most of the BRI hubs are in Germany and Netherlands. 

       2. At the European Level. Wary about the BRI, Initiative.

  • Not endorsed by Europe.  But many declarations, with EU China working on connectivity matters. 
  • EU to develop own connectivity initiative with Japan, but on a lower level scale. 

Dr. Sebastien Goulard also talks about the growing opportunities for small and medium sized business to be a part of the BRI. 




Dec 01, 202056:03