With the assistance of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Trinidad and Tobago's asphalt has been exported to more countries, helping the countries to seize more global opportunities.
Trinidad and Tobago boasts the world's largest natural deposit of asphalt – the Pitch Lake.
With a coverage of over 40 hectares, the Pitch Lake has a large amount of asphalt which still gushes out of underground every day even after over a century of exploitation.
With large asphaltene, resin, as well as less impurities, the asphalt from the Pitch Lake has strong stability and durability. It has been recognized as one of the best asphalt in the world.
The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, refers to the initiative on the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.
Since many BRI partner countries locate near the equator or in places with hot climate, their high temperature incurs high demand on construction materials.
Because of the BRI, asphalt from the Pitch Lake has been applied in many BRI projects worldwide.
From the 1990s, China has been importing asphalt from Trinidad and Tobago. For now, more than 70 projects were finished with them.
"I think China, from what I've seen, is one of the fastest developing countries in the world in terms of infrastructure, and added to that is the global Belt and Road Initiative. China's Belt and Road Initiative has also given us the opportunity to do business outside of China," said Neil Mohammed, chairman of the board of directors with Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago Limited.
China’s BRI helps Trinidad and Tobago export asphalt to more countries
A contemporary Chinese art exhibition has been held at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, playing a vibrant role in fostering cultural ties between the East and the West. The exhibits, including brush paintings and sculptures on mountains, rivers, plants, blend traditional brushwork with Western influences, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.
The artists' deep connection with the natural world is a window that the "Chinese Xieyi exhibition'' at the Hungarian National Museum presents to the public to explore Chinese philosophy, according to Tunde FegyvAri-Komori, curator of the Hungarian National Museum.
"This exhibition is a collection of 58 artworks, including four sculptures from 58 different artists, from the National Art Museum of China's collection. And they represent modern and contemporary artworks, partly reflecting back to the traditional Chinese painting and Chinese art, and partly reflecting to Western influences in art, which mostly started arriving in China after the 1970s and the 80s," said FegyvAri-Komori.
Much of the exhibition showcases traditional Chinese brushwork, where delicate strokes create intricate designs and meanings that express deep philosophical meanings, allowing viewers to experience the world from their perspective.
"The Chinese curators constructed the exhibition around these three topics and these three main aspects to approach Xieyi itself. The first one is called 'yi', which translates as meaning. This focuses on the essence of the topic. The second one is form, which in Chinese is 'xing,' and it's quite similar to meaning, but from a different approach. They are focusing on the form itself that they see, but they are not aiming at mirroring reality. The third one is called 'interest,' or in Chinese called 'qu.' And in this last part, I would say that it's a combination of the first two," said FegyvAri-Komori.
One standout piece is a sculpture that blends mythology and modern art, depicting Lao Tzu departing from the Qin Empire (221 BC to 207 BC), carrying the wisdom that shaped Taoist thought with him. The ox-head panther he rides symbolizes mysticism and the spiritual journey, adding another mythical dimension to the work.
"It expresses Xieyi very well, but at the same time, it also expresses a little bit of Western modern art, abstract art," said FegyvAri-Komori.
For many visitors, the exhibition is a chance to experience the dynamic evolution of Chinese art.
"My father had several books about Chinese art, about porcelains, ceramics, and paintings. It always struck me how different it is from our European tradition. There's a subtlety and sensitivity in it. The way they express emotions feels so unique and profound," said Daniel, a visitor.
The exhibition, part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, celebrates cultural exchange and shared appreciation for art and culture.
Contemporary Chinese art expo held in Hungary helps cultivate ties between east and west
