COVID-19 has had a major impact on the global economy over the past year. International trade is undergoing a frail recovery, but the uncertain course of the pandemic will continue aggravating trade prospects. One of the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative is to help improve trade and investment in participating countries. How can this be achieved? Besides tech, what other industries could be driving forces for the global economy in the post-pandemic era? Jens Eskelund, vice president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, gives his views.