Silk Road Fund

The Silk Road Fund is a state-owned investment fund established by China in December 2014 to support the development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—a global infrastructure and economic strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa. With an initial commitment of USD 40 billion, the fund was jointly backed by major Chinese financial institutions including the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, China Investment Corporation, Export-Import Bank of China, and China Development Bank.

Functioning as a medium- to long-term equity investment fund, the Silk Road Fund focuses on sectors such as infrastructure, energy, resources, industrial cooperation, and financial services. It operates commercially, seeking sustainable returns while promoting inclusive development and cross-border collaboration. The fund has invested in high-profile projects like the Karot Hydropower Plant in Pakistan and has expanded its portfolio across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and beyond2. Its guiding principles—openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit—reflect China’s broader ambition to foster global partnerships and economic integration under the BRI framework.