Greek port part of BRI success story

"BRI infrastructure projects can bring countries in southern Europe closer to the North, reduce transport costs and increase the flow of people and goods," Ladjevac said.

The Dutch financial company ING estimates that a 50 percent reduction in trade costs between countries taking part in the BRI could increase world trade by 12 percent.

But Belt and Road opportunities are not just about infrastructure or trade.

Douglas Morton, head of Asia research at Northern Trust Capital Markets, said: "Its goals reach far beyond construction projects, with the ultimate aim of stimulating regional GDP per capita. The initiative can bring together Chinese resources with European expertise at a time when global connectivity is becoming increasingly scarce."

Many multinationals are preparing to supply technology to Belt and Road countries in collaboration with Chinese companies.

Power equipment giant Alstom is looking to supply technology to help Chinese hydropower companies bidding for dam contracts in third countries within the BRI area, while Schneider Electric is supporting Chinese concrete, steel and water treatment companies looking to secure power and construction deals.

Siemens has agreements with more than 10 Chinese companies to supply digital technologies to Belt and Road power, energy, building and manufacturing projects.

Meanwhile, the City of London has campaigned heavily to make the British capital a finance hub for Belt and Road deals to enforce London's global reach amid Brexit uncertainties.

HSBC has financed nearly 100 projects in Belt and Road countries, while Standard Chartered funded more than 50 Belt and Road deals last year alone and in December it announced an additional $20 billion commitment to BRI projects by 2020.

The UK Treasury has appointed Douglas Flint, former chairman of HSBC Holdings, as the country's Belt and Road envoy, an important government post. Meanwhile, the government agency UK Export Finance has announced 25 billion pounds ($34 billion) of funding to support British companies' exports to Belt and Road projects.