China - CEE relations, in-depth analyses of 16+1 mechanism within OBOR initiative

Abstract

Principally, the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative was officially announced in October, 2013, in compliance with the strategy for sustainable development of the President of the P.R. of China, Xi Jinping, prescribing the potential to initially integrate and closely connect over 60 countries from continents such as Asia -and the Middle East, in particular- Europe and Africa, which currently, under the 17+1 mechanism, include 138 countries. The fundamental objective of OBOR is to pave the way for closer economic, infrastructural, environmental, as well as socio-economic cooperation and transfer of experiences in the context of the 16+1 mechanism between China and CEE countries, especially having in mind various economic and business environments, strategic developmental goals and advanced economic sectors of CEE countries. In increasing the capacity for harmonizing the main sustainability pillars, i.e. economic, social and environmental, aiming at circular economy, business modelling, ethical compliance, etc., the role of transferring the Chinese, and eastern experiences and practices in general, while solving sustainability challenges, should be perceived as being of increased importance in our days.