Mediterranean region is important for Belt and Road construction projects - head of Bank of China

Almaty. December 4. Silkroadnews - Mediterranean region is important for Belt and Road construction projects, the head of Bank of China believes, “Global Times” reported.
“Bank of China Chairman Chen Siqing said here on Saturday that the Mediterranean region's position is unique and of strategic importance, at the crossroads of land Silk Road and maritime Silk Road,” the report said.
Chen noted, the construction of “Belt and Road” has created a new platform for international cooperation and provided new energy for overall development.
According to the Chinese banker, the role of the Mediterranean region in this regard is becoming increasingly important, as it serves as a key link in Belt and Road infrastructure.
In 2014, China and the four countries of the Mediterranean region decided to build “China-Europe Continental and Ocean Expressway”. Railway communication between China and Europe has already become an important means in international logistics.
“In the future, we should continue to intensify the building of infrastructures in the Mediterranean region and to push forward the construction of great projects such as the Hungary-Serbia railway linking Budapest and Belgrade, as well as the shaping of a logistic and transport network linking Europe, Asia and Africa by land, sea and air,” Chen said.
The Mediterranean region is one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists, in addition, the number of goods transported from the Mediterranean region to China is also increasing.
Noting that in 2016 the Mediterranean region’ volume of import and export trade with China exceeded $150 billion, Chen urged both sides to speed up liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, and to expand financial and commercial exchange to create new incentives for regional development.
Chen also called the region a major market for international cooperation in the field of industrial production within Belt and Road framework.