New Silk Road

In order to build commercial links across Europe and Asia, China proposed and succeeded in launching the New Silk Road from Yiwu to London. So what exactly a new silk road? Before we get into this topic we need to know about the original Silk Road.

Back in 200 BC, where the Kingdoms and Empires were spawning, the local trades occurred frequently but long distance trades were rare because of the inhospitable environment, difficult terrain and lack of established routes across China, Russia, and the west. But, when west encountered the Chinese silk, the demand outweighed these challenges. The huge demand led to an entire network of routes, crisscrossing Central Asia. The route was named as Silk Road, as silk was lucrative good which was sought after at that time. The increased trade not only exchanges the philosophies, religion but also improved the cultural sharing between the East and the West. 

The new silk road changes the economic face of the Asia and it boosts the exports and revenues across Europe and Asia.The train departs from Yiwu, a city which is known for commodity trade, reaches London through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Belgium, and France. The train was packed with 34 containers carrying clothes, shoes, suitcases,  household goods and other goods made in China. During the trip, containers are changed from one locomotive to another due to different gauges existed in the countries. The first train arrived on January 18 after its departure from Yiwu on January 3.It started its return journey from Uk to China on April 10.British goods exported to china include Whisky, soft drinks, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, baby products and the list goes on!! New Silk Road is a part of  President Xi's "One Belt, One Road”.

Service is operated by Yiwu Timex Industrial Investment Co that has already been running trains to Madrid in Spain. Rail freight is said to be half the cost of air freight and half the time of sea freight. China considers Britain as one of the major trading partners. Chinese investment in the England has doubled in recent years. The new Silk Road is also a game changer to the UK, as it exited the European Union. It needed the potential new paradigm and new Silk road seems to be an answer for UK’s current situation.

Lastly, With the world consumer demands continue to grow, china is planning a rail freight service for 20 other European routes, which further increases the china’s growing economic presence in the world!!!


Source:indianexpress.com,www.straitstimes.com,metro.co.uk, seeker daily