So, finding ways to make the production process eco-friendly should top the agenda of the world leaders. For example, investing in fields such as cement and steel will be great for the proposed modern Silk Road's infrastructure projects but not for the environment. This is an area where the EU, with its expertise in low-carbon economy and other environmental fields, can play a leading role. It can also help facilitate healthy, eco-friendly competition.

But if the EU's expertise cannot be put into practice by non-European countries, such competition will disappear from the market in no time.

Official data show that more than 50 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa have already agreed to join the Silk Road initiatives. If the Silk Road initiatives can balance environmental protection and economic growth, the corridors linking the Asia-Pacific region with Europe and Africa will become the engines of the world economy and powerful mediums of cultural exchanges.

More countries say that an efficient and fair exchange mechanism should be set up to encourage all countries, including China, to contribute their resources and ideas to turn such mega proposals into success stories. And once such a mechanism is established, it will become easier to connect Beijing with London and Johannesburg.

The author is China Daily's chief correspondent in Brussels.

fujing@chinadaily.com.cn