The Belt and Road Initiative - a long-term project proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013 - is designed to focus on connectivity and cooperation and drive bigger and faster trade and capital flows between East and West. It covers two trade routes and an overland route connecting Europe, Middle East and China, linking up with 65 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa that represent 63 percent of the world's population and 29 percent of global GDP. The overall objective of the Belt and Road, notes Ulrich, is to boost regional trade, enhance regional infrastructure and encourage economic cooperation.