The presentation, held at ESADECREAPOLIS, was attended by representatives of numerous companies and ESADE faculty members. The session was held in parallel to the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, which was attended by numerous heads of state, including Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

The ESADE event was chaired by Yingqi Wang, Economic and Commercial Adviser to the Chinese Embassy in Spain; Yabin Wu, Professor and Dean of the University of International Business and Economics; and Tamyko Ysa, Vice-Dean of Research at ESADE. Introductory remarks were delivered by Prof. Wu, who praised Spain’s open attitude towards foreign investment and encouraged the country’s representatives to export this attitude to the rest of Europe. Bai Gao, Professor at Southwest Jiaotong University and Director of the High-Speed Railway Development Research Centre, then outlined the Chinese government’s plans and the potential of the OBOR project.

“It is very likely that we will face a reversal of globalisation,” warned Prof. Gao, citing recent developments such as Donald Trump’s victory in the American presidential election and the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union. According to Prof. Gao, who described OBOR as “China’s great strategy for the 21st century”, the objectives of the project include “promoting free trade” and “strengthening ties with neighbouring countries”. ESADE Lecturer Carles Roig called OBOR a “great initiative” but reminded the Chinese representatives in attendance that infrastructure projects must be accompanied by a suitable management plan. “The software is more important than the hardware,” he said, pointing to the need for balanced trade between Europe and China.

Jaume Hugas, Associate Professor at ESADE, encouraged the Chinese representatives to consider building links between the OBOR and the Mediterranean corridor, noting that most of Spain’s industry is concentrated alongthe Mediterranean coast.

The ESADE China Europe Club is an example of ESADE Business School’s international outlook and, in particular, its focus on China. The aim of the club is to facilitate collaboration between Chinese and Spanish companies and institutions. The club’s efforts focus on fostering institutional and business relations with Chinese companies based in Spain and Europe.