Pei Chengrong

(Director, Economic Research Institute of Shaanxi Academy of Social Sciences)

Author

Pei Chengrong is Member of the Academic Committee of the Shaanxi Academy of Social Sciences (SASS), Researcher and Director at the Economic Research Institute of SASS, PhD in Urban Planning and Designing, Director of the Regional Economic Research Institute of SASS, Director of the Enterprise Development Consulting Center of SASS, Chairman of the China Democratic League’s SASS branch, and mentor for the postdoctoral program on economics of SASS. Pei is also a distinguished professor at the China Executive Leadership Academy in Yan’an. Pei has been a member of the 9th, 10th, and 11th Shaanxi Provincial CPPCC, and is an advisor to Xi’an Municipal Government. Major research areas include city and regional economy, industrial economy.

Abstract

Building the Silk Road Economic Belt is a vital strategy that will elevate the level of openness in western China’s inland areas, enhances western China’s economic ties with Central Asian nations, and achieves sustainable economic growth. We need to focus on the following three aspects: First, strengthen the top-level design, and define the domestic scope of the belt in order to prevent the related provinces from contending blindly. Clarify the functions of the regions along the belt, and promote resources integration and division of responsibilities so as to realize cooperation and mutual benefit. Second, accelerate the construction of the basic platforms and establish diverse exchange and cooperation mechanisms. Set up a policy communication platform, a land and air transportation channel, a trade and logistics market, a Eurasian financial center, and a cultural and scientific and technological stage as soon as possible, in order to boost regional trade, cultural exchanges, and political communication. Third, speed up the construction of inland free trade zones. Experiments and innovations should be encouraged to guide orderly development of the new Silk Road initiative.