Duncan Freeman

(Senior Research Fellow, Brussels Institute of Contemporary Chinese Studies at Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Author

Duncan Freeman is Senior Research Fellow at the Brussels Institute of Contemporary Chinese Studies at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) where he teaches and carries out research on developments in the Chinese economy and policy, and EU-China relations. Among his current research interests are developments in China's outward investment policy, Chinese investment in the EU and in the renewable energy sector as well as China's economic transformation and industrial policy and also issues related to political reform. His also writes and comments extensively for the media.

Abstract

China and Europe have an important and growing economic relationship. However, this economic relationship has not reached its full potential. The idea of a New Silk Road proposed by China may help further economic integration of Europe and China. New infrastructure links would create alternative routes between Europe and China. But, the proposal for a New Silk Road or Silk Road Economic Belt does not make clear how deeper economic ties between Europe and China can be achieved, nor how it relates to other initiatives to improve the relationship. Further integration of the two economies will require policies that develop communication links and institutional ties between the two sides.