History and key points of the “One Belt, One Road” megaproject

The People's Republic of China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative represents a comprehensive global infrastructure and investment program initiated in 2013. Its objective is to facilitate trade and economic integration between Eurasian, African, and Asian countries. The objective of this project is to establish a new network of transport and economic corridors, uniting states along the route from China to Europe. It constitutes a significant element in the process of strengthening Eurasian integration at various levels, including economic, political, and cultural integration.

In September 2013, the Chairman of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, announced the launch of the initiative in Kazakhstan. This was followed by a further announcement in October of the same year in Indonesia. The initiative comprises two principal components: the "Silk Road Economic Belt," which traverses the landmass, and the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road," which encompasses maritime routes.

The primary objectives and constituent elements of the project are as follows:

1. The Silk Road Economic Belt is a network of land transport routes through Central Asia and Russia that has been designed to reduce the time and cost of transportation between China and Europe.

2. The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is a maritime route that connects China with South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe via ports and coastal cities.

3. Financial cooperation entails the establishment of international financial institutions, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Silk Road Fund, to provide financial resources for the implementation of specific projects.

The Silk Road Economic Belt component of the concept is the proposal of a land route that would connect China with Europe via Central Asia and the Middle East. The route traverses several countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Georgia, and Turkey.

The term "sea route" is used to describe the maritime route that connects China to Europe via Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and the Mediterranean Sea. Notable ports include Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Colombo, Kolkata, Jebel Ali, Piraeus, Venice, and others.

The objective of both routes is to enhance infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and facilitate the development of the regions traversed.

The projects facilitate the integration of global supply chains and promote trade and investment.

One of the principal factors propelling Eurasian integration is the advancement of transportation infrastructure. The Belt and Road Initiative is designed to facilitate the construction of roads, railways, ports, and other logistics infrastructure, thereby enhancing connectivity between Eurasian countries. This results in more efficient trade and economic growth, as the cost of transporting goods is reduced.
The project entails the establishment of more robust economic interconnections between participating countries. The development of infrastructure in Central Asia has facilitated its emergence as a pivotal transport and logistics hub between China and Europe. Additionally, it fortifies China's economic and political bonds with Central Asian nations, thereby reinforcing Eurasian integration.

The project is designed to facilitate the deepening of political cooperation between the countries that are participating in the initiative. China is engaged in the active development of diplomatic and political ties with project partners, thereby seeking to enhance its influence in Eurasia. In addition to fostering economic and political collaboration, the Belt and Road project has also served to facilitate cultural exchanges between Eurasian countries. The ideology of the Belt and Road Initiative is undergoing a process of constant evolution to adapt to the emergence of new challenges and opportunities while maintaining its core objective of strengthening global integration and expanding China's influence.

The impact of this situation on the Caucasus and Georgia is significant

The Caucasus region, including Georgia, is of significant importance in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Georgia, as part of the South Caucasus, represents a pivotal node in the transit corridors that facilitate China's connectivity with Europe and the Middle East. Georgia is actively engaged in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which is a component of the BRI. The route traverses China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, facilitating connectivity between Europe and Asia. Georgia serves as a crucial transit hub, with its seaports in Batumi and Poti and railway links with Azerbaijan and Turkey. The modernization of Georgia's infrastructure, including its ports and railways, as well as the construction of a new deep-water port in Anaklia, serves to reinforce its position as a key player in international trade. This port will become a crucial node in the global supply chain, facilitating the movement of goods not only from China but also from other countries in Asia and Europe.

Georgia's involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in notable economic advantages, including augmented investment in infrastructure initiatives, job generation, and economic expansion. Chinese investments in Georgia are directed towards the advancement of transport and energy infrastructure, as well as the enhancement of regional connectivity.

Additionally, Georgia stands to gain from the increased transit of cargo through its territory, which will contribute to augmented revenues from transportation services and the advancement of the logistics sector. The reinforcement of transportation connections with China and other nations enables Georgia to become a pivotal node in global supply chains. Furthermore, the Belt and Road Initiative facilitates the deepening of political collaboration between Georgia and China. This is evidenced by the enhancement of bilateral relations, expansion of diplomatic ties, and intensification of high-level exchanges.

Cultural exchanges between Georgia and China, facilitated by the Belt and Road Initiative, foster mutual understanding and reinforce amicable relations between the two peoples. Educational programs, cultural events, and art exchanges play a pivotal role in this regard. The Belt and Road Initiative presents a promising opportunity for Georgia and the broader Caucasus region. Due to its advantageous geographical position, Georgia is assuming an increasingly pivotal role in the global infrastructure network, which facilitates economic integration and the expansion of international trade. In the long term, involvement in this major undertaking has the potential to result in substantial economic expansion and the reinforcement of political stability in the Caucasus region.

Gulnara Safarli
Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Strategic Partnership Information Support Centre

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