Answer:
To engage in the profitable spice trade in the Asian market
Explanation:
In the olden times, the Asian subcontinent was a very wealthy market with many forms of spices that weren't available in the European market. So in opening a trade route to Asia, the traders were able to trade in these exotic spices without having to deal with the marauders and bandits on the land route. So they were able to make good profit margins.
