A more connected Asia – new possibilities in Europe?
Channel: Norsk utenrikspolitisk institutt NUPI
Date: 2018-03-05

Trade and infrastructure projects are booming in Asia. How may relations between countries in Asia and Europe change? 

Many Asian economies are closely intertwined, and Europe is a major market for their products. International trade and value chains foster stability, in a region that is also home to conflicts and territorial disputes. Many countries are now investing heavily in physical and digital infrastructure, and China is mobilizing ever more partners and resources behind its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

How may these combined efforts change the connectivity and overall relations among the 51 ASEM countries in Europe and Asia? Can connectivity go hand in hand with green and sustainable development?

On 5 March NUPI is co-hosting a half-day conference with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the ASEM-day. There will be presentations and a panel discussion. The participants are:

Yun Sun is a Senior Associate with the East Asia Program at the Stimson Center. Her expertise is in Chinese foreign policy, U.S.-China relations and China's relations with neighboring countries and authoritarian regimes.

Theresa Fallon is a Brussels-based analyst, writer and commentator on global energy and geopolitics with over 20 years' experience. In August 2016 she established the Centre for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies (CREAS). Her current research focus is on EU–Asia relations, Sino-Russian relations, maritime security, and global governance.

Arne Melchior is a Senior Research Fellow at NUPI. His research areas include international trade and global development, trade policy and international economic institutions, international inequality, geographical economics and regional development, Asia, India and China.

Hans Jørgen Gåsemyr is affiliated with NUPI as a Senior Research Fellow. His research and teaching is specialized on Chinese politics, including state-society relations, social and economic reforms, and Chinese actors and interests in international politics.

NUPI Director Ulf Sverdrup will open the event together with State Secretary Marianne Hagen, and Member of Parliament and leader of the Asian-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Elin Rodum Agdestein.