Ingenieur Vol 77 Jan-Mar 2019 ingenieur 2019 Jan-March | Page 70

INGENIEUR THEME: Transportation Trends (April-June 2018) KDN PP 11720/4/2013 (032270) THE VOL.74 APRIL-JUNE 2018 L E M B AG A J U R U TE R A M A L AY S I A BOARD OF ENG I N E E R S MA LAY S I A INGENIEUR M A G A Z I N E O F T H E B O A R D O F E N G I N E E R S M A L A Y S I A Infrastructure Connectivity- “Belt and Road” Initiative: Building Synergy with EU Policies and Strategies (Source: BOAO) With the deepening of world polarisation, economic globalisation, social informatisation, and cultural diversification, the trend of peaceful development is gaining momentum, while technological revolution and innovation continue to make great strides forward. At the same time, world economic growth needs new driving forces, development needs to be more inclusive and balanced. and the gap between rich and poor needs to be bridged. The development of the Asian and European regions presents major opportunities and faces many daunting challenges. The “Belt and Road” Initiative will promote connectivity between the Asian and European economic circles. 6 68 VOL 2019 VOL 77 55 JANUARY–MARCH JUNE 2013 Infrastructure is a key step to realising Euro-Asian connectivity. In a geographical sense, the Eurasian continent is a whole, but the two sides are very different from each other in economy, history and culture. The “Belt and Road” initiative is a powerful attempt at breaking such barriers. It will facilitate the building of a community of shared destiny between Asia, dominated by developed countries and the economically advanced Europe, so as to contribute to world peace and development. Last September, Danny Alexander, Vice President and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), said at the G20 summit that infrastructure can closely link different markets and promote trade, investment and economic growth. In July this year, the G20 Global Infrastructure Hub released a report predicting that by 2040, the total investment in global infrastructure construction will reach USD94 trillion. Infrastructure connectivity is particularly important for Asian-European connectivity be it for lower transportation costs, strategic co- ordinated effects brought about by policy co- ordination, economic development brought about by unimpeded trade, a financial co-operation network brought about by financial integration, or frequent exchanges brought about by people-to- people ties. ‟ The “Belt and Road” Initiative will promote connectivity between the Asian and European economic circles. Infrastructure is a key step to realising Euro-Asian connectivity.