China is holding its annual enterprises’ outbound investment conference in Beijing. Topping the agenda is the discussion of boosting trade in countries on the Silk Road economic belt. The silk road is a romantic tale of travel and adventures with merchants crossing the continent.Today China is trying to revive that epic journey in the modern era.

The ambitious blueprint for building a silk road economic belt was raised by President Xi Jinping last September. And now, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade is working to boost investment in countries along the belt.

"Although China is one of the world’s largest investors, there is still a lot of room for improvement if you look at the stock amount. It’s only one tenth of the US’s, and one third of Germany’s. China is hoping to have more investment and trade with countries along the Silk Road economic belt.” Jiang Zengwei, chairman of China Council Of Promotion For Int’l Trade, said.

Among all the diplomats and business people participating the conference, particularly interested are those from Central Asian countries. A region almost forgotten in the maritime era, now plays a decisive role in connecting Asia and Europe.

"Uzbekistan is able to provide investing companies with low-cost energies, such as electricity and natural gas. We hope to expand cooperation with Chinese companies and provide necessary assistance to investors.” Kasimov Ilizat, commercial counsellor of Uzbekistan Embassy in China, said.

Some analysts say that Beijing’s boost of investment in these regions may clash with the interests of major powers like Moscow and Washington. But China says it’s for the purpose of mutual benefits and the economic belt does not exclude any country who hopes to participate.

If you take a look into history, actually the ancient silk road spent more time cut than connected. The trade and cargo only appeared when peace was restored and civilizations were growing. Today as China rises, many believe that the reconnection of the ancient silk road will once again bring opportunities and prosperity to over 3 billion people on the silk road economic belt.