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Risks in view as China’s Belt and Road rolls on

The number of Belt and Road infrastructure projects is growing, but the political and credit risks are becoming more evident as investors scramble to join Beijing’s initiative The number of Belt and Road infrastructure projects is growing, but the political and credit risks are becoming more evident as investors scramble to join Beijing’s initiative.
By Colin Shek 2 July 2018 0 31550
The breakwater of the Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka, part of the BRI. The breakwater of Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka, part of the BRI. (PA)

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is finally gathering momentum nearly five years after it was first unveiled by President Xi Jinping. However, investors should heed the political and credit risks arising from the landmark infrastructure plan, delegates heard at a summit in Hong Kong last week.

More than 100 infrastructure projects are under construction in 36 countries along the BRI route, which stretches from Asia to Europe, Ning Jizhe, vice chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, said at the third...