Belt and Road Initiative Platform Sophie Christopher

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.                                                                                                                                                                  

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.