Ueli Maurer defended the controversial China-project

Before the start of the "Silk road"summit in Beijing has defended the Federal President Ueli Maurer the controversial project of China. The billions of investment in infrastructure around the globe managed to work and safety. Where prosperity arises, there are fewer wars.

of course, China will follow in the project for their own interests, said the 68-year-old Finance Minister, in an Interview with the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" of Friday. "The economy in each world." You can't discuss China, but also not to blame.

criticism of the project

With heads of state, heads of government and representatives from more than 100 countries begins on Friday in Beijing, the summit of China's Initiative for the construction of a "New silk road". With billion of investment in roads, Railways, ports and other infrastructure projects, China wants to create new economic corridors to Europe, Africa, and Latin America, and a better connected world. Critics warn, however, particularly poor countries in a debt trap and political dependencies of Beijing.

Maurer, who was left with a financial and economic delegation on Easter Monday, after China, holds the criticism of the project from the USA, France and Germany is legitimate. "But Switzerland is a neutral, independent state. We move, as we consider it is right."

Mason wants to take influence

criticism is fine, said the SVP Federal Council. "But only criticize and can never be a solution. You have to decide at some point also Want to prevent a development, or you want to participate, contribute and influence. And I think it is better to want to become involved in a development to make a positive change."

it is Planned that Switzerland and China will sign at the summit, a Declaration of intent on the "New silk road". The aim of the Declaration is that the two countries expand cooperation in trade, investment and project financing in third countries along the China's proposed new silk road.

warning against too high expectations

Mason China is according to own statements five principles of the private capital for private projects, social responsibility, criteria for environmental protection, transparency and sustainable dealing with debt.

Mason warned, finally, against exaggerated expectations on the China summit. "I wouldn't set the expectations too high. So far, the Belt and Road Initiative is a great idea. It is the largest investment project of our century. This idea is now concrete." (roy/SDA)

Created: 26.04.2019, 03:43 PM