What is the goal, and how can it be achieved?
More transparency on what the BRI interests are
1. Identify the points of cooperation and divergence (checklist)
- which sectors
- what conditions - standard-setting (checklist)
- invest in expertise (within Switzerland, in cooperation with EU think tanks, experts, etc ) with regards to better understand China's interests with regards to BRI, and what opportunities/challenges the BRI would bring
a. which points need to be mentioned
2. Identify how Switzerland can participate more in BRI-related institutions:
a. what could Switzerland bring
b. What should Switzerland insist on (transparency - in which ways, through what monitoring mechanisms, promoting what step-by-step* process, litigation within the BRI in case of disagreement, promote Swiss banking expertise and increase Swiss role within AIIB, setting up (and/or promotion) of environmental standards and monitoring systems
c. How Switzerland can act as a bridge between the PRC and EU countries?
understanding the goal of BRI in European countries, as well as to what extent Italy can be used as a precendent to understand the BRI goal in European countries
d. How can Switzerland achieve this goal, where both interests (of China and of European state partners) are respected; be an example/give insight
how can Switzerland situate itself between EU's position ('strategic competitor') and Chinese interests
--> continue to improve Switzerland as a strategic gateway towards EU (neutrality as a big plus)
*find right angle in participating in the BRI
Who is involved? (which actors would have to be targeted)
Swiss companies
Swiss government****
Swiss universities (research experts - Security, Political Economy,
other economic institutions - AIIB (Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank) --> make standards of participation in (checklist)