When speaking of China's Belt and Road Initiative, people might think of it merely as a diplomatic compact with little real value for individual citizens.
However, the initiative actually has exert considerable influence on your daily lives since it was approved.
🔽 Here are 6 benefits expats can get from Belt & Road
Less Roaming Fees
Three China operators, China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom all announced that they'll cut international roaming fees for numerous countries since May 1.
Each operator is now going through a drastic price cut of International roaming, which fees are even as low as 0.49RMB/min. It's a great benefit especially for some expats who come from countries/regions along the Belt and Road!
Direct Flights to 43 B&R Countries
China now has direct flights to 43 Belt and Road countries as domestic airlines have opened new routes to those countries. Around 4,200 direct flights are operated every week linking China and the Belt and Road countries.
By the end of 2016, China had signed air service agreements with governments in 120 countries and regions, with countries along the Belt and Road accounting for more than half of that number.
Looser Visa Policies
The joint creation of competitive international tourist routes and products with Silk Road features make it more convenient to apply for tourist visas in countries along the Belt and Road.
People who love traveling will relish this benefit!
More Chances For Youths
Youths from Belt and Road countries will be offered more opportunities in fields like overseas study, employment and entrepreneurship. Mass innovation and entrepreneurship can be expected overseas.
Also, China's education ministry has signed agreements of mutual recognition of higher education degrees with 46 countries and regions, which provides a better platform for the youths to head towards the world.
Cheaper Imports From Online-shopping
Innovations in forms of trade, develop cross-border e-commerce and other modern business models, lower non-tariff barriers, will jointly improve the transparency of technical trade measures, and enhance trade liberalization and facilitation.
It means that imported products from countries along the Belt and Road will feature lower prices, rich variety, high quality and quick delivery. Also, people can go directly to Belt and Road countries to buy products, making shopping more convenient and safer.
Expanded Choices For Foodies
With the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, delicacies from other countries are more accessible, such as dried figs from Turkey, coffee from Vietnam, and black tea from Sri Lanka.
Some foreign cuisines are gradually appearing on your dinner tables. Not just the familiar German and Thai restaurants, but also more exotic eateries like Georgian and Pakistan restaurants are more commonly seen.
Source: SilkRoadPost
HACOS,Business Services Solutions Master
