The New Silk Road as an Emerging Model of Regional and International Economic Cooperation—A Brief Review of the International Symposium on “The New Silk Road and China-Africa Economic Relations”

Abstract

At the International Symposium on “The New Silk Road and China-Africa Economic Relations” held in Kenya, some 30 scholars shared their understanding of the “One Belt One Road” plan announced by the Chinese government. The themes of the symposium covered the definition and political-economic implications of “One Belt One Road,” its effects on China-Africa economic relationships, and the key points and procedures of related projects. Most of the scholars attending the symposium declared that “One Belt One Road” is the updated version of traditional forms of Chinese aid to developing countries, especially African countries, and meets the need for cooperation among developing countries and the industry upgrading of Chinese enterprises. The plan's core ideas differ from those of the United States; they represent a new international order and an emerging model of regional cooperation and international economic cooperation. As well, recommendations on fostering state-owned enterprise systems and a sustainable labor force in African countries were also discussed.

Keywords:

• “One Belt One Road”
• regional economic cooperation
• international economic cooperation

Notes on Contributors

Gong Jian (following Chinese practice, the surname, Gong, is placed first), PhD in economics, is Assistant Professor of the Marxism Research Institute, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, China.

Ding Xiaoqin (following Chinese practice, the surname, Ding, is placed first), PhD in economics, is Associate Professor and Assistant Director of the Marxism Research Institute and the Center for Economics of the Shanghai School, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. He also is Research Associate at the Harvard University Asia Center, Secretary General of the World Association for Political Economy (WAPE), Managing Editor of World Review of Political Economy (WRPE); and Co-editor of the Journal of Economics of the Shanghai School.