With the addition of Electrolux, Rail Cargo Group and the port of Zeebrugge the programme of the European Silk Road Summit is now complete. At this international two-day event, which takes place on 26 and 27 November in the Dutch hub of Venlo, the latest developments on the New Silk Road are discussed by relevant stakeholders on the Eurasian corridor.

The Chinese Embassy to the Netherlands earlier committed to the event by delegating its Minister Counsellor Chen Ribao as the opening speaker, and also the mayor of host city Venlo takes the stage. From the European Commission, Maja Bakran Marcich is represented.

Political perspectives

What was previously called the New Silk Road Conference, the European Silk Road Summit is the third, more international edition of the event. It is the first time to programme covers two conference days, consisting of plenary and breakout sessions. Nearly forty speakers are programmed to present their knowledge, experience or take part in debates.

The first day is characterised by political perspectives, such as that of the EU or the Dutch approach to the New Silk Road. But it is also the day on which a conclusion in drawn about the current state of affairs, the volumes and the future of the New Silk Road. On this day, experienced stakeholders take the stage such as DB Eurasia, DHL, BTE, Nunner, DB Schenker, LTE and GVT. But also important organisations from the Netherlands are represented, such as ProRail (infrastructure manager) and the ministry of Infrastructure and Water.

Breakout sessions

On the second day, the programme gets more detailed. The opening up of Russian transit for fresh goods is a central theme. Other topics are the multimodal options and other modalities on the New Silk Road. The port of Rotterdam and the port of Baku are some of those who take the stage. Other relevant stakeholders are RZD Logistics, CFL Multimodal, RTSB, New Silkway Logistics, PCC and Senator International.

During various breakout sessions topics come to the fore such as the shipment of dangerous goods, European hubs and trucking into China under the new TIR regulations. “These all entail current market developments that make and shape the New Silk Road”, says Rob Vos, Business Development Manager of organising company Promedia Group. “Apart from presentations and debates, visitors can also sign up for a site visit in Venlo, or a speeddating session, in which they have the chance to meet their future business partner.” A list of participating companies can be found here.

The European Silk Road Summit takes place on 26 and 27 November in the Maasport in Venlo, the Netherlands. For more information about or registration for the event, you can visit the website.