The New Maritime Silk Road, A Historic Choice

First, bilateral strategic trust should be strengthened between all countries concerned. To be specific, the strengthening process includes establishing a joint consultation framework among all countries along the New Maritime Silk Road; organizing a forum for development and cooperation; and exploring the best approaches to the sea road’s construction.

Second, improve the infrastructures for interconnection. All nations involved should increase support to linking ports and harbors and construct a transport network, collaborating in the fields of harbor development, maritime logistics and port industries.

Third, enhance maritime economic cooperation. Countries along the New Maritime Silk Road should promote a maritime economy system, pool together resources, technologies and products, and explore two-way investment in industrial parks.

Fourth, build and take advantage of a new system for win-win cooperation. An up-to-date system will advance the joint management, cooperation, and development of coastal countries. At the same time, the countries involved should adopt unified standards in various fields of information, customs, and quality control. Necessary measures include: negotiating a mutual-recognition scheme; enhancing communication and cooperation of national customs and visa authorities; and establishing an international security cooperation mechanism to protect the maritime passage.

LI GUANGHUI is vice president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.