Belt and Road
One Belt. One Road. One Bank.
We're ready to turn over 150 years of local knowledge into global opportunities for your business.
Boosting Trade Between East and West
It will be 30 years before the ultimate Belt and Road vision is truly realised. We can see it now. Discover more about the biggest ever infrastructure initiative.
Gain insight into the economic impetus driving the Belt and Road initiative. We delve into its potential to transform global trade, and the expected impact on nearly two-thirds of the world’s population.
Check out how economies big and small are benefiting from key development investments along the Belt and Road.
Standard Chartered has over 150 years’ experience and an extensive footprint that spans 70 per cent of the Belt and Road’s markets. Find out how we can position you for growth across the Belt and Road.
Seizing opportunities along the Belt and Road
Explore new horizons for your business under the world’s largest infrastructure initiative.
Tap on our extensive local presence and in-depth knowledge of each region’s political, economic and cultural environment. Start identifying relevant opportunities and the optimal way forward, as you venture further along the Belt and Road.
Leading the Belt and Road initiative
China is the architect and a key driving force behind the Belt and Road initiative, an economic and strategic masterplan that spans 65 per cent of the world’s population and more than one-third of global GDP. Belt and Road will create new trade, infrastructure and investment links between China and its partner countries elsewhere in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Russia.
Sharing in the proceeds
Between 2014 and 2016, China’s trade with Belt and Road nations exceeded USD3 trillion. In addition, it has pledged to purchase USD2 trillion worth of imports from Belt and Road countries by 2022. It is expected that Belt and Road projects will continue to drive growth across the world – with an eventual estimated global GDP boost of 12 per cent.
Servicing the region
Standard Chartered has a long history of collaborating with Chinese commercial banks and an in-depth insight into the political, economic and cultural environment. We also collaborate extensively with key Chinese Belt and Road strategic driving forces, such as policy banks, export credit agencies, investment funds and multilateral development banks.
Contact us today and talk to one of our Belt and Road experts.
Contact UsLocal presence and unrivalled solutions
Our South Asia network extends throughout India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and across multiple Belt and Road flagship projects. These include the China and Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC). Click here to learn how Belt and Road is impacting economic development in Bangladesh.
Award-winning support
Standard Chartered played a pivotal role in helping a power generation company develop a duel-fuel combined cycle power plant in Bangladesh. We have also served as a trusted partner to multiple Chinese enterprises seeking to expand in the region. In 2018, Standard Chartered won the Asiamoney ‘New Silk Road Finance Award for Regional Bank of the Year for BRI (South Asia)’, and the ‘Best Bank for BRI-related Financing in the Region (South Asia)’ award.
Servicing the region
Our extensive and longstanding footprint in South Asia has provided us with a profound understanding of the region’s unique social, political, legal and regulatory environments. This enables us to provide comprehensive support and unrivalled solutions for our clients on the ground across a broad range of banking services.
Contact us today and talk to one of our Belt and Road experts.
Contact UsCentral to the success of Belt and Road
The Belt and Road initiative presents significant opportunities for the ten countries that make up ASEAN. China has emphasised its commitment to direct the Maritime Silk Road towards ASEAN countries, and new infrastructure projects will enhance connectivity and cooperation between ASEAN and China, strengthening trade, finance and investment ties.
Award-winning support
Standard Chartered is continually strengthening its links across the various Belt and Road corridors that cross this region. We regularly host Belt and Road events in ASEAN countries, in order to better understand our clients’ needs and align with market shifts. Demonstrating our value-add, Standard Chartered won the 2018 Asiamoney New Silk Road Finance awards for ‘Best International Bank in the Region (Southeast Asia)’, and ‘Best Bank for Infrastructure/Project Finance in the Region (Southeast Asia)’.
Servicing the region
Standard Chartered is the only international bank that has a presence in all 10 ASEAN markets. Currently spanning 30,000 staff and 400 branches, our visibility in the region also dates back 150 years, demonstrating consistency, longevity and commitment to the region.
Contact us today and talk to one of our Belt and Road experts.
Contact UsGrowing Sino-African trade and ties
Sino-African trade has been on a significant upward trajectory in recent decades, rising from USD29.5 billion in 2004 to USD149.1 billion in 2016. Belt and Road will accelerate this rise in trade, helping to cement Africa’s position as the world’s fastest growing region. View the potential impact of Belt and Road on Africa’s economies here.
Award-winning support
Standard Chartered has been a trusted partner to many African businesses seeking to leverage new opportunities through Belt and Road. This on-the-ground experience spans multiple industries and banking services. In 2018, Standard Chartered won the Asiamoney ‘New Silk Road Finance Award for Regional Bank of the Year for BRI (Africa)’.
Servicing the region
Standard Chartered has a proven history of product delivery for clients in Africa, earning a strong reputation in the process. We can deliver a wide range of services and solutions, from sophisticated hedging strategies to FX services, centralised liquidity, currency swap arrangements, investment strategies and support for mergers and acquisitions.
Contact us today and talk to one of our Belt and Road experts.
Local supportThe growing influence of Islamic banking
Central to the successful delivery of Belt and Road initiatives in the Middle East is a proven capability in Islamic banking. Through its dedicated global Islamic business, Saadiq, Standard Chartered is able to provide Islamic banking products and services to clients across the region.
Regional strength
Standard Chartered has an established presence in the UAE that allows it to support global trade and build on the close relationship between the UAE and China. Dubai’s unique ability to connect Asia and Africa is critical to capitalising on emerging opportunities through the Belt and Road initiative. In 2018, Standard Chartered won the Asiamoney ‘New Silk Road Finance Award for Regional Bank of the Year for BRI (Middle East)’.
Servicing the region
Through Saadiq, we offer a wealth of experience working alongside governments, regulatory authorities and industrial bodies to design and structure high-quality Islamic financing. You can find out more about Standard Chartered’s innovative and fully Shariah-compliant banking services here.
Contact us today and talk to one of our Belt and Road experts.
Contact UsExtending bilateral trade opportunities
The Belt and Road initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of trade between Europe and China – and other proposed routes. Though its impact on individual European markets will vary, there is a growing awareness of the economic and strategic implications of Belt and Road, and a willingness to reflect these in European policies and bilateral political relations.
Spotlight on the UK: A key financial hub
The largest exporter of financial services in the world, the UK has the skills, experience and expertise necessary in the operations of many Chinese companies as they seek to take on a more prominent role in international trade. With our headquarters in London and a long-standing presence in China – and 45 Belt and Road markets – Standard Chartered is in a unique position to act as a bridge from East to West, under the Belt and Road initiative.
The UK has already significantly contributed to this initiative, as the first major European country to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which focuses on projects across the Asia-Pacific region – including Belt and Road markets – that unlock opportunities for British companies. This early membership, along with the establishment of the UK-China Infrastructure Alliance (which promotes commercial collaboration in both markets and in third-party markets, in particular along the Belt and Road) are both clear indicators of the UK’s relevance to Belt and Road.
The UK as a leader in offshore renminbi
The UK is ranked #2 in the offshore renminbi (RMB) market, and London has become a global marketplace for Belt and Road financing solutions. Use of the RMB is expected to rise further as the Belt and Road initiative expands, and the scale of projects under its scope will continue to drive the RMB’s global relevance.
Servicing the region
We offer our clients access to our extensive network of European banking operations, including key markets such as the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and Turkey. The region stands to benefit significantly as the Belt and Road network forms – boosting connections from freight and other transport, to knowledge exchanges. Click here to find out more.
Contact us today and talk to one of our Belt and Road experts.
Local supportTake the next step
Get in touch with us for insights into the Belt and Road landscape,
and see how you can translate our expertise to your advantage.
Turn our local Belt and Road expertise into global opportunities for your business
We have an unrivalled global network across 45 Belt and Road markets. With this unique grounding, we can provide your business access to our strategic relationships with key local financial institutions, relevant strategic advisory services, and tailored solutions that support your financing needs.
Get started with the Belt and Road Initiative
Evaluating Belt and Road investment opportunities
Gain the expertise of a financial partner with deep local roots as you explore Belt and Road investment and bidding opportunities in new markets.
Why we’re different
Our experts are on the ground. They are ready to help you evaluate project requirements throughout the bidding process, enabling you to capitalise on the right opportunities; from project advisory to financing expertise for infrastructure, public utilities and railways, telecoms, cable and electricity equipment, environment protection projects, and more.
How can we help?
Secure sources of long-term financing
-Advise on your trade financing options (e.g. one-stop guarantee services, bonds and capital market solutions)
-Loan syndication
-Project and export finance
-Shipping finance
-M&A advisory
-Leveraged finance
Local FX governance expertise, investment hedging solutions
-Experienced financial markets advisory
-Cross-currency swaps, interest rate swaps, structured solutions
-Full range of renminbi (RMB) capabilities, including clearing, settlement, hedging and more
Case study: Powering project finance
We supported one of China’s largest state-owned banks in successfully landing an engineering procurement project, which will see it finance a USD800 million power plant at an inland site in Oman.
Mitigate Belt and Road Market Expansion Risks
Preparing for expansion
Once an opportunity has been identified, our team of experts – equipped with an understanding of local geopolitical trends and regulatory environments – will support you in mitigating growth and supply chain risks through advisory, financing and escrow services.
Why we’re different
Our unmatched relationship portfolio with key Belt and Road financing partners – ranging from The Silk Road Fund to Chinese policy and commercial banks – allows us to support our clients in structuring financing and responding to the right opportunities with agility.
How can we help?
Strategy and planning
-Access our Economic Research Team
-Full coverage of local and M&A-related escrow account services
-Straight2Bank – access our standardised e-platform with transparency and full control
Secure sources of long-term financing
-Advise on your trade financing options (e.g. one-stop guarantee services, bonds and capital market solutions)
-Loan syndication
-Project and export finance
-Shipping finance
Local FX governance expertise, investment hedging solutions
-Financial markets advisory
-Cross-currency swaps, interest rate swaps, structured solutions
-Full range of renminbi (RMB) capabilities, including clearing, settlement, hedging and more
Streamline Supply Chain Finance and Operations
Achieve operational excellence
Cashflow or payroll problems can derail projects at any time. To explore Belt and Road, you will need a global financing partner with deep local expertise, to help facilitate seamless onshore payments and mitigate FX control issues (for example, when repatriating funds to employees’ home countries).
Why we’re different
As a Belt and Road financial partner, we offer more than just financing. We support our clients’ day-to-day and working capital needs, especially in emerging markets. Our services are designed to enable you to focus on your core business.
How can we help?
Machinery purchasing support, both locally and overseas
-Supply chain finance solutions with risk participation (payables finance, import invoice financing)
-Loan syndication
Trade finance support to minimise days sales outstanding
-Credit bill negotiation
-Receivables Services (progressive payment, deferred payment etc.)
Working capital and liquidity management, across currencies and borders
-Multi-currency notional pooling
-Transactional foreign exchange (TBFX)
-Full set of FX products
-Full range of renminbi (RMB) capabilities, including clearing, settlement, hedging and more
Hedge commodity risk
-Across a wide range of commodities (include metals, energy and agriculture)
Sustaining and Supporting Growth
Maintain your growth trajector
As your Belt and Road journey deepens and more opportunities open up, sustaining growth across various markets becomes both a necessity and a source of competitive advantage.
This is when you need timely financing support, and complete oversight of cashflows – no matter where you are in a project cycle.
Why we’re different
With 70 per cent of our global footprint sitting across Belt and Road routes, we’re ready to provide support and expertise to help you complete or bid on new projects.
How can we help?
Treasury support and liquidity management, across currencies and borders
-Treasury advisory
-Establish regional treasury centres and cross-border cash pools
-Ecosystem support
-Working capital management solutions
-Time deposits, structured deposits, alternative investments
Hedge working capital FX exposure during your expansion
-Access a full set of FX products
-Utilise our online banking system, Straight2Bank, as an e-FX platform
-Loan syndication
Case study: Managing opportunities across markets
We implemented a centralised liquidity and account management solution for one of the largest Chinese construction and engineering contractors. This provided the group with enhanced risk management and control over its accounts across Belt and Road markets.
Customer Testimonials What our clients say
"The development of our international business would not have happened without the strong support of Standard Chartered - a client-centric bank with a deep understanding of Belt and Road countries and regions."
"As a pioneer of the Belt and Road initiative, we have already worked with Standard Chartered to develop shipping routes from China to Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia"
"Standard Chartered has helped to enhance our service quality as well as efficiency. We are also impressed by their innovative client services."
"Standard Chartered is an outstanding and very professional financial institution with excellent services. We are now working together in the areas of cash management, risk management and project financing."
Awards Standard Chartered Bank has years of experience in facilitating successful Belt and Road projects for our clients. Here is the proof:
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All rights in and to the images contained in this gallery is owned by or licensed to the Standard Chartered Group and its members. By accessing, downloading or using any images contained in this image gallery, you agree to these terms of use:- (a) You may use the images for editorial purposes (relating to events that are newsworthy or of public interest) only in print or online publications
- (b) The images may not be used for any commercial, promotional, advertorial, endorsement, advertising or merchandising purpose
- (c) You may crop or resize an image provided that it does not materially alter the overall appearance, look and feel of the image, or create any derivative works from the image
- (d) Where possible, you will caption the image with the following credit: "Standard Chartered Bank"
Image terms of use
All rights in and to the images contained in this gallery is owned by or licensed to the Standard Chartered Group and its members. By accessing, downloading or using any images contained in this image gallery, you agree to these terms of use:- (a) You may use the images for editorial purposes (relating to events that are newsworthy or of public interest) only in print or online publications
- (b) The images may not be used for any commercial, promotional, advertorial, endorsement, advertising or merchandising purpose
- (c) You may crop or resize an image provided that it does not materially alter the overall appearance, look and feel of the image, or create any derivative works from the image
- (d) Where possible, you will caption the image with the following credit: "Standard Chartered Bank"
Take the next step
Get in touch with us for insights into the Belt and Road landscape,
and see how you can translate our expertise to your advantage.
Latest thinking
Belt and Road in numbers: East Africa
Belt and Road projects are bringing major benefits to East African nations, driving growth and transformation.
China: Insights and outlook
The global survey reveals how 150 economic leader view China's challenges and priorities.
Belt and Road makes its presence felt
Take a closer look at the Belt and Road initiative and explore its growing importance to global trade.
Belt and Road: Benefits to South Asia
South Asian nations will play a major role in the Belt and Road initiative – and are already seeing the benefits.
Take the next steps
Get in touch with us for insights into the Belt and Road landscape,
and see how you can translate our expertise to your advantage.
TALK TO US How can we help you?
We can offer your business competitive advantage in Belt and Road markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Use the form below to get in touch and tell us more about your business goals and we’ll connect you with one of our specialist advisors.
Awards Standard Chartered has years of experience in facilitating successful Belt and Road projects for our clients. Here is the proof:
Image terms of use
All rights in and to the images contained in this gallery is owned by or licensed to the Standard Chartered Group and its members. By accessing, downloading or using any images contained in this image gallery, you agree to these terms of use:- (a) You may use the images for editorial purposes (relating to events that are newsworthy or of public interest) only in print or online publications
- (b) The images may not be used for any commercial, promotional, advertorial, endorsement, advertising or merchandising purpose
- (c) You may crop or resize an image provided that it does not materially alter the overall appearance, look and feel of the image, or create any derivative works from the image
- (d) Where possible, you will caption the image with the following credit: "Standard Chartered Bank"
Image terms of use
All rights in and to the images contained in this gallery is owned by or licensed to the Standard Chartered Group and its members. By accessing, downloading or using any images contained in this image gallery, you agree to these terms of use:- (a) You may use the images for editorial purposes (relating to events that are newsworthy or of public interest) only in print or online publications
- (b) The images may not be used for any commercial, promotional, advertorial, endorsement, advertising or merchandising purpose
- (c) You may crop or resize an image provided that it does not materially alter the overall appearance, look and feel of the image, or create any derivative works from the image
- (d) Where possible, you will caption the image with the following credit: "Standard Chartered Bank"