Belt And Road Weekly Investor Intelligence #73  

More ‘third party’ sanctions threats, and moves to avoid and exploit them as the Ukraine conflict continues to dominate global uncertainty and relocate supply chains.

US Senators Threaten Chinese Banks With SWIFT Disconnection

A proposed “CURB CIPS Act of 2022” would have serious global implications and cause China a loss of economic sovereignty. Essentially the bill would also bring all Chinese global financial transactions under the veto power of the United States, and could be later extended to include other countries who trade with Russia as well. That could be construed as an act of war, and could also potentially hasten a Chinese move onto Taiwan to take place prior to any bill being passed into law. It would also, if carried out, seriously cause additional damage to already stressed global supply chains. Russia is a major exporter of energy and goods with massive export markets.

Iranian Imports From Caspian Littoral States Up 19% In Volume  

Iran’s imports from the four Caspian littoral states (Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan) increased by 53% in value and 19% in volume during the first 11 months of the current fiscal Iranian year (March 21, 2021 through February 19, 2022), compared to the same period during the previous year, according to Iran’s Customs Administration (IRICA). These are significant trade trends showing that the INSTC linking Europe and Asia while avoiding Russia is coming online.

Thailand and Uzbekistan Eye Increased Mutual Trade and Investment 

Another sign of the developing trade corridors starting to take effect between Central and South-East Asia has materialized with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan signing a memorandum of understanding with the Council of Trade of Thailand.

Uzbekistan To Reform Its State-Owned Enterprises 

Uzbek SOE privatization, foreign investment and other reforms are all being planned.

India Is Buying Discounted Russian Oil, Exploring Alternative Payment Channels  

India is buying Russian crude oil at steep discounts, which are not subject to sanctions, and is considering alternative payments channels for its bilateral trade payments. New Delhi appears to be pursuing a balancing act in its engagement with allies on all sides of the war in Ukraine due to unavoidable geographic, economic, and geopolitical considerations.

Moscow Stock Exchange Resumes Selected Trading  

When full trading begins, stocks will slump – meaning serious foreign blood on the trading floor while simultaneously creating bargain opportunities.

Russia Turns To Gold, Platinum, Diamonds and Rare Earths As Ruble Value Diminishes   

US analysts had better have had their sums right in casting out Moscow when it comes to Russian global dominance in precious metals, diamonds, and rare earths, while the US dollar continues its decline against global gold reserves. Russia will be only too happy to see US reserves be spent in support of the dollar while it continues to supply global gold demand. It may be quite a global battle.

China’s Belt And Road & Beyond       

All the latest international news headlines about China’s Belt & Road Initiative.

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