Ever since China announced the Belt & Road Initiative in 2013 there has been an upsurge of opportunities for the planning and consulting sector, usually on the back of major infrastructure project agreements at the highest level.
UrbanEyes have recently had the opportunity to work on two major overseas projects under the Belt & Road Initiative in Asia and Africa. While many urban development projects that involve international capital in developing countries are keen to show an advanced modern image, the two that we are involved in require solving real present day inner-city problems.
The first is the largest social planning project in the heart of the capital to improve the living standard and environment for residents of the city’s biggest slum area. Consisting mainly of immigrants from neighbouring countries, these previously neglected residents living in extremely poor conditions with major public health concerns will have access to new employment opportunities, healthcare, education, utilities, clean water, religious and other public amenities in the rehousing programme.
The second is an urban regeneration and transformation project next to the central business district with a 100-year-old dilapidated railway that is still in operation. This capital city is in urgent need to modernise the public transport system to ease the traffic congestion problem and bring in new industries and economic sectors, to maintain its competitiveness and attract the next generation of investors and talents.
These Belt &Road initiatives are unique opportunities to work in different parts of the world and interface between very different business cultures and values, and technical requirements. Our balanced approach where we fully understand the client’s goals and collaborate effectively with their counterparts in another country, while applying international design standards, is crucial to ensuring a smooth cooperation process and project delivery.