The world economy is going through a turbulent time, but the Belt and Road Initiative might just rebalance the things and help restore faith in globalization. The current global economic order favors the strong and rich, those who write the rules and reap the lion's share of the profits, while the weak and poor are sidelined and neglected.
As the curtain rises on the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and the eyes of the world turn to Beijing, the naysayers circle like buzzards. There is no shortage of fearmongers ready to throw cold water on the plan.
When world leaders convene in Beijing seeking ways to connect Asia, Europe and Africa for shared economic benefits, they are doing their part for a fairer world order. The upcoming Belt and Roadforum which opens on Sunday will discuss fairer use of resources to improve infrastructure and ensure the free flow of goods and services.
Quanzhou in east China's Fujian Province was the country's major port for foreign trade during the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368). If a resident from ancient Quanzhou Bay was magically teleported to the modern city, they would be awed by the bustling streets, lights and noise, but they might also find some peace in local temples where the same religions are practiced to this day.