Event

A more connected Asia – new possibilities in Europe?

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

04 March 2018

09:00 Europe/Oslo

Language: English

NUPI

Seminar

Themes

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.

Breakfast will be served from 08.30, the event starts at 09.00 and lasts until approx. 12.00.

PROGRAMME:

08:30	Breakfast and coffee
09:00	Opening and welcome by NUPI Director Ulf Sverdrup, State Secretary Marianne Hagen and Member of Paliament Elin Rodum Agdestein
09:30	CONNECTIVITY – WHERE WE ARE NOW?
	Theresa Fallon – Connectivity in the ASEM region
	Yun Sun – China and the Belt and Road Initiative
	Arne Melchior – Model for international trade.
10:30	Coffee break
10:45	Panel discussion with Q&A: CONNECTIVITY – WHERE WE ARE HEADING?
	Theresa Fallon and Yun Sun in conversation with Hans Jørgen Gåsemyr
12:00	END