Introduction and context
The New Silk Road, a strategic Chinese project, aims to enhance economic cooperation between China and Europe. This study focuses on transshipment events and their impact on freight transportation, with particular attention to load stability and transport constraints.
Methodology
The study uses data loggers to collect information on vibrations and stresses experienced by goods during transportation. This approach allows for a detailed and precise analysis of transport conditions.
Data analysis and results
The results reveal significant variations in transport conditions, affecting load stability. The identified types of constraints and their frequency are discussed, highlighting the challenges of intercontinental transportation on the New Silk Road.
Discussion and implications
This section explores the implications for European manufacturers and the issues related to distribution and transportation. The New Silk Road offers benefits in terms of transport duration and cost, but also presents challenges, including disruption of maritime transport and environmental impact.
Conclusions and perspectives
The synthesis of results underscores the importance of the New Silk Road for the transportation and packaging sector. Suggestions for future research are provided, particularly regarding innovation in freight transportation and qualification of distribution plans.
IAPRI 2022 : 23rd IAPRI World Conference on Packaging, Bangkok, Thailand
Full paper : The new silk road – Study of transloading events
IAPRI 2022 : 23rd IAPRI World Conference on Packaging, Bangkok, Thailand
Poster : The new silk road – Study of transloading events
The new silk road
Origin and objectives
In 2013, the Chinese government, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, launched an ambitious project dubbed the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI), also known as the "New Silk Road". This initiative aims to recreate the ancient trade routes that historically linked Asia to Europe, but with a modernized objective: to strengthen commercial ties, develop economic infrastructure, and assert China's political presence on the global stage. Through this project, China seeks not only to boost its economy by increasing foreign trade but also to extend its geopolitical influence through a series of strategic partnerships.
Main corridors
The project is structured around six main corridors, which traverse various geographical regions. These corridors include strategically designed land and maritime routes to maximize logistical and commercial efficiency, directly linking China to key markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Each corridor is intended to promote economic development in the regions traversed, with a particular focus on infrastructure, such as ports and railway lines. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in particular, symbolizes the success of this initiative, representing a major investment in critical infrastructure.
Investments and infrastructure
The overall cost of these projects is astronomical, nearing $1 trillion, funded in part by China through international partnerships and the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). These investments cover a wide range of infrastructure, from highways, railways, ports, to energy projects. These developments are crucial for the success of the Belt and Road Initiative, enabling deeper regional economic integration and providing China with new channels for international trade.
Economic and political impacts
The economic and political implications of this initiative are vast. For China, it is an opportunity to export its development model, access new markets, and secure resource supplies. For partner countries, the projects promise development and economic growth, although some critics highlight the risk of excessive debt and dependence on China. The Belt and Road Initiative also embodies a tool of economic diplomacy for Beijing, allowing it to extend its influence beyond its traditional borders.
Future perspectives
Ten years after its launch, the assessment of the Belt and Road Initiative is mixed, with undeniable successes but also persistent challenges, particularly in terms of financial viability and project coherence. The initiative stands at a crossroads, with the need for China to adapt its strategy to changing economic realities and international concerns. The response of the international community and the evolution of the global geopolitical situation will be decisive for the future of this monumental project.