ArmInfo. Within the framework of One Belt One Way (BRI) concept, Armenia can have a significant role in the development of digital infrastructures.This opinion was expressed by Eurasian Forum representative and the Council of the Swedish Industry on International Affairs Henrik Hallgren during Silk Way Economic Belt seminar organized on May 23 by the Armenian office of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation together with the Yerevan Press Club.
In this regard, the European representative noted that the IT segment of Armenia is pretty developed, and the knowledge of Armenian experts in this field can be used in the markets of other countries. He stressed: "The Chinese say little about the digital infrastructure, and this segment is very important for the bilateral connection of the states within this initiative." At the same time, he noted the role of Armenia in the framework of trilateral cooperation (EU-Armenia-China), which the country can profitably use, led by its interests. What is to China cooperation with the EEU through Armenia, he noted that the member countries have limited economy, except Russia and Kazakhstan, at the same time he stressed that the volume of domestic trade and trade with third countries is low. To develop China cooperation with EEU, according to Hallgren, Armenia should have strong positions in terms of dialogue, and for this, first of all, Armenia itself must be a strategically strong country. At the same time, as negative factors, the expert noted the lack of infrastructures and the dependence of the situation on energy security from just one nuclear power plant.
To recall, in fall 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented the Concept of the One Belt, One Road Project, including establishment of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Implementation of the first phase is planned for 2016-2020, but already in 2015 the financial basis was established in the form of the Silk Road Fund and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The goal of the One Belt, One Road Project is to develop transit-transport system connecting China with the countries of the Eurasian continent and Africa. The Concept presupposes not only construction and development of transport- logistical infrastructure, huge zone of free trade but also a unique financial system uniting regional development banks thus creating conditions for the targeted capital movement and ensuring payments in term of national currencies, first of all in yuans. For the implementation of the New Silk Road Project Beijing has established a $40-billion Fund of Silk Road as well as $100 billion Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which launched operation on 29 June, 2015.