China’s choice of sectors for investment in the “Belt and Road” in the post-epidemic era

Abstract

In the post-epidemic era, Chinese investment in the “Belt and Road” countries faces significant opportunities and challenges. Firstly, global markets actively seeking recovery have given multinational investors more opportunities. China, with its strict and effective epidemic control, has preceded the rest of the world in the period of epidemic stabilization and Chinese investors have also seized the opportunity of economic reversal and recovery. However, it is worth noting that protectionism and anti-globalization forces around the world have also taken advantage of the COVID-19 epidemic to become more prevalent, and Chinese outbound investment will face a more complex environment and more intense confrontation. In this complex environment, choosing to develop investment sectors that are more compatible with the interests of the host country can effectively reduce the risk of investment. Therefore, this paper analyses the selection of industries for China's investment along the “Belt and Road” from multi-dimensional perspectives. SWOT analysis is used to explore the advantages and disadvantages of industries in the process of "going global" in four dimensions: opportunities, advantages, disadvantages and challenges. Finally, recommendations are given for the selection of industries for China's investments in countries along the “Belt and Road”