China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Research Articles

Harnessing the Potential: Industries Relocation and Export Promotion within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Belt and Road Initiative

Harnessing the Potential: Industries Relocation and Export Promotion within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Belt and Road Initiative

A Delphi Study on Identifying Environmental Risk Factors in the Construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Abstract The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) represents a monumental initiative aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between China and Pakistan. However, the construction and operational phases of CPEC are fraught with numerous environmental risks that could impede its successful implementation. This study employs the Delphi method to systematically identify and evaluate the environmental risk factors associated with CPEC. A panel of experts from diverse fields, including environmental science, engineering, and regional planning, participated in multiple rounds of surveys to reach a consensus on the most critical environmental threats. Various studies have addressed general environmental impacts of large-scale projects, there is a gap in targeted research that systematically identifies and evaluates specific environmental risk factors associated with CPEC. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed and consensus-based understanding. The findings highlight key risk areas such as carbon emission, climate change, air quality deterioration, and biodiversity loss. By providing a comprehensive risk assessment, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and project managers to develop robust mitigation strategies, ensuring the sustainable development of CPEC. The study underscores the importance of proactive environmental management in large-scale infrastructure projects within ecologically sensitive regions.

Green finance, sustainable infrastructure, and green technology innovation: pathways to achieving sustainable development goals in the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract A major challenge for countries is achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially given the high levels of pollution. Meeting the SDGs for social, economic, and environmental sustainability is particularly difficult under such conditions. The present study investigates the influence of green finance on sustainable infrastructure, innovation in green technology, corporate social responsibility, economic stability, and environmental conservation within the framework of Belt and Road initiative (BRI) funding, particularly focusing on its application in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives. A questionnaire was used as the primary instrument for data collection. The study gathered data from a diverse sample that include businessmen, CPEC officials, representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Planning and Development. In this study, the PLS 4 was employed to examine the relationship and test hypotheses. The findings suggest a significant impact of green finance on both sustainable infrastructure and green technology innovation. Furthermore, the results highlight the crucial role of environmentally friendly technology and sustainable infrastructure in advancing the SDGs across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The study’s findings offer guidance for policymakers globally, emphasizing the importance of integrating green technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and green finance practices to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Socio economics impacts of CPEC on Pakistan; the dark side of the project

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with significant investments in energy projects, infrastructure development, and special economic zones. While CPEC has been praised as a game-changer for Pakistan but major concerns have been raised about its negative socio-economic impacts. This research article spreads light on a comprehensive literature review to find out these impacts and identify research gaps that the researchers have not filled yet. This paper reveals that CPEC intensifies existing socio-economic inequalities, displaces local communities, causes environmental degradation, and raises concerns about debt sustainability of Pakistan. The lack of transparency in project execution has further boosted these issues. In this paper I have examined the experiences of aboriginal communities and gendered repercussions, investigated labor rights and waged conditions, and environmental impacts. As the project is still not fully completed, new issues may arise with the completion and passage of time. By conducting the research further deep, policymakers can gain a better understanding of the potential outcomes of CPEC and develop strategies accordingly to eliminate any negative impact that can be hazardous for Pakistan's economy, environment, and society.

Land Use Changes and Future Land Use Scenario Simulations of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative

The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative, is of great significance for the promotion of sustainable development in the region through the study of land use change and the simulation of future multi-scenarios. Based on the multi-period land use data of the CPEC, this study firstly analyzed the spatial and temporal land use changes in the CPEC from 2000 to 2020 by using GIS technology, and, secondly, simulated the land use patterns of the CPEC under four scenarios, namely, natural development, investment priority, ecological protection, and harmonious development, in 2040 by using the Markov-FLUS model with comprehensive consideration of natural, socio-economic, and other driving factors. The results show the following: (1) The urban land, forest land, and grassland in the CPEC from 2000 to 2020 show an increasing trend, while the farmland, unutilized land, and water area categories show a decreasing trend. In terms of land use transfer changes, the most frequently transferred out is the conversion of unutilized land to grassland. (2) The FLUS model has high accuracy in simulating the land use pattern of the CPEC, and its applicability in the CPEC area is strong and can be used to simulate the future land use pattern of the CPEC. (3) Among the four different land use scenarios, the harmonious development scenario strikes a better balance between infrastructure construction, economic development, and ecological protection, and can provide a scientific basis for future land management in the CPEC, in order to highlight the importance of promoting economic growth and ecological protection and ultimately realize sustainable development.

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor and Its Impact on India

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor and Its Impact on India

Comparative Dynamics of the Belt and Road Initiative: Unveiling the Unique Position and Implications of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

The Belt and Road Initiative introduced by China is one of the biggest infrastructure and development projects striving to facilitate commercial exchanges and stimulate growth through construction, trade, and investment links across countries and continents. Under this grand framework, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) arose as a significant and novel dimension of the deepening bilateral relationship between Beijing and Islamabad Meanwhile CPEC plays a strategic role as a critical artery that aims to redefine the regional dynamics. This article undertakes analytical research to disclose the position as well as consequences of CPEC among other projects comprising the BRI on a global scale. Through fine-grained analysis of the political, economic, and social dimensions of CPEC somehow positioned next to other BRI projects, this study can identify the uniqueness of CPEC at the level of its ambitions, challenges, and implications on both regional geopolitics and economic frameworks. The paper draws upon a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, comprising CPEC project results, bilateral agreements, and economic indicators, among others, to demonstrate how CPEC functions as a driving force towards economic transformation in Pakistan with associated implications for international trade corridors. Moreover, the research sheds light on the geopolitical strategies behind China’s investments and brings to the surface how CPEC is not only employed in economic affairs but rather military and geopolitical interests for China in South Asia as well. Such a comparative study assists in the process of knowing the multilayered nature of the BRI, and bringing forth those emerging insights on how projects like CPEC can form the structure of global economic and governance engagement of the 21st century.

The Strategic Importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Its Impact on Strategic Stability in South Asia

China intends to spend about $62 billion on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the coming years as a part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC has both geoeconomic and geostrategic implications. This is a game changer for China globally as it wants to reach the Middle East, Europe, and Africa for trade and energy supplies via a shorter and alternate route. However, for Pakistan, this project not only helps in its economic development but also ensures its security against India. This study aims to examine India’s reaction to Chinese investment in the region and its impact on strategic stability in South Asia. India fears encirclement of its territory because of China’s presence in Pakistan, the Indian Ocean, and Myanmar. At the same time, the US is concerned that China is trying to revise the status quo in which the US sits at the apex. At this moment, the interests of the US and India seem to align, and they have already entered a strategic partnership. This study is qualitative in nature and relies on primary as well as secondary data available on CPEC and strategic stability. South Asia is becoming relevant to great powers’ politics. China’s investment in Pakistan will deter India from attacking Pakistan, and India will be helped by the US to prevent China from becoming a regional hegemon.

Beyond Borders A New Analysis of External Challenges of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

A new Global Order is emerging, along with new (re)alignments taking place in interstate relations between Pakistan and China towards the eastern camp. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is US$62 billion, and it will combat persistent instability, leverage Pakistan's strategic location, build economic development zones, support social infrastructure, and address Pakistan's energy deficit. CPEC will give China another entry point into the Indian Ocean through the Gwadar Port in Balochistan and Pakistan, which will provide a massive opportunity to improve its dire economic situation. However, to make the CPEC a successful reality, the state of Pakistan must confront and overcome a number of difficulties. Pakistan is clearly moving away from geostrategic concerns and towards geo-economics cooperation, emphasizing solid relationships with key regional players. Conversely, the CPEC has faced considerable international scrutiny and criticism since its launch in 2013. However, both countries face external challenges, both regional and global. This article aims to analyze the external challenges that Pakistan has been facing since the beginning of the CPEC and its economic lifeline. Pakistan is trying to balance relations with its neighboring countries and balance the power, which can resolve the external challenges of CPEC.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Security Threats and Challenges for Pakistan and China

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Security Threats and Challenges for Pakistan and China

Identification of Potential Landslides in the Gaizi Valley Section of the Karakorum Highway Coupled with TS-InSAR and Landslide Susceptibility Analysis

Landslides have become a common global concern because of their widespread nature and destructive power. The Gaizi Valley section of the Karakorum Highway is located in an alpine mountainous area with a high degree of geological structure development, steep terrain, and severe regional soil erosion, and landslide disasters occur frequently along this section, which severely affects the smooth flow of traffic through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In this study, 118 views of Sentinel-1 ascending- and descending-orbit data of this highway section are collected, and two time-series interferometric synthetic aperture radar (TS-InSAR) methods, distributed scatter InSAR (DS-InSAR) and small baseline subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR), are used to jointly determine the surface deformation in this section and identify unstable slopes from 2021 to 2023. Combining these data with data on sites of historical landslide hazards in this section from 1970 to 2020, we constructed 13 disaster-inducing factors affecting the occurrence of landslides as evaluation indices of susceptibility, carried out an evaluation of regional landslide susceptibility, and identified high-susceptibility unstable slopes (i.e., potential landslides). The results show that DS-InSAR and SBAS-InSAR have good agreement in terms of deformation distribution and deformation magnitude and that compared with single-orbit data, double-track SAR data can better identify unstable slopes in steep mountainous areas, providing a spatial advantage. The landslide susceptibility results show that the area under the curve (AUC) value of the artificial neural network (ANN) model (0.987) is larger than that of the logistic regression (LR) model (0.883) and that the ANN model has a higher classification accuracy than the LR model. A total of 116 unstable slopes were identified in the study, 14 of which were determined to be potential landslides after the landslide susceptibility results were combined with optical images and field surveys. These 14 potential landslides were mapped in detail, and the effects of regional natural disturbances (e.g., snowmelt) and anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., mining projects) on the identification of potential landslides using only SAR data were assessed. The results of this research can be directly applied to landslide hazard mitigation and prevention in the Gaizi Valley section of the Karakorum Highway. In addition, our proposed method can also be used to map potential landslides in other areas with the same complex topography and harsh environment.

CPEC: A SOURCE OF STRENGTHENING BILATERAL TIES AND DRIVING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), significantly enhancing cooperation and interconnectivity between Pakistan and China. This $62 billion initiative, spanning communication infrastructure, energy, telecommunication, industrial zones, and Gwadar Port, is not just an economic endeavor. It holds immense strategic importance for both regional and extra-regional countries. By enhancing trade routes and transforming Pakistan’s geostrategic importance, particularly through the link between Gwadar Port and Xinjiang, CPEC provides China with direct access to the Arabian Sea. This paper delves into how CPEC strengthens bilateral ties between China and Pakistan, contributes to regional economic and political stability, and serves as a model for international collaboration. The project’s success is underpinned by infrastructure improvements, energy investments, and an expanded transportation network, positioning Pakistan as a key player in global trade and furthering China’s geopolitical and economic ambitions. Beyond development, CPEC fosters a new era of bilateral cooperation and shared strategic objectives, serving as a beacon of international collaboration.

Environmental Impacts of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): An analysis of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

This article explores the complex environmental impacts of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and suggests sustainable development strategies. Our study reveals significant changes in land use patterns, including loss of important habitat, which is contributing to biodiversity decline. Analysis of air quality data shows increased levels of pollutants in urban areas along the corridor, which are exacerbated by construction activity and increased traffic. Water resource assessments highlight issues related to quality and availability, especially in areas with high industrial activity. In response to these findings, we suggest methods for mitigating and adapting to climate change along the corridor. Interpreting these findings, we argue that these assessments are critical for identifying potential environmental problems and ensuring that development initiatives are built with long-term sustainability in mind. Recommendations for mitigating climate change include international cooperation, increasing public awareness, and using resilient design principles. For future development projects, we include sustainable practices, community involvement and compliance with environmentally friendly standards as important elements in economic growth. We draw conclusions by emphasizing the need for future studies to track long-term impacts, evaluate socio-economic implications, and implement environmentally friendly strategies, maintaining a long-term balance between economic development and environmental conservation in CPEC and other international projects.

STRATEGIC INTEGRATION OF CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC) IN ENHANCING THE MARINE FISHERY SECTOR OF PAKISTAN: A PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH

The marine fishery sector in Pakistan is particularly important in terms of the country’s economy but is still unexplored with problems such as old equipment, limited cold storage and processing, and not much investment made. Due to the emphasis on connectivity and economic cooperation under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it is possible to provide a strategic impetus to the development of the fishery sector. This research work seeks to establish how CPEC may improve the marine fishery industry of Pakistan and find out how the sector may benefit from CPEC investments in infrastructure and related facilities. The specific research questions the way CPEC infrastructure and investment could be optimally used for the development of the marine fishery sector of Pakistan for possible economic gains that could be associated with the integration of CPEC into the fishery sector. The study adopts a descriptive research type of approach whereby the researcher relies on secondary sources of information and analyzed data to assess the status of the marine fishery of Pakistan, identify the opportunities under CPEC for the sector, and establish how the sector can effectively integrate into the framework. The importance is in bringing attention to an overlooked sector that may benefit from the efficient use of CPEC projects. With investment and cooperation in the agriculture and socio-economic sectors, integration in the fishery sector will enhance Pakistan's blue economy and sustainable economic development.

A fuzzy logic-based risk assessment framework for the crude oil transportation supply chain

This study proposes a novel approach to increase the efficiency of crude oil transportation by integrating fuzzy logic and the TOPSIS method. The proposed technique addresses the uncertainties and imprecisions in decision-making processes to identify the optimal shipping alternatives. The study also evaluates the static and dynamic risk indicators related to the transportation of crude oil. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is found to be a promising option for crude oil shipments, reducing the risks associated with current routes. Using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology, the research determines China's most efficient crude oil supply channel using a fuzzy-based Improved TOPSIS approach. The economic feasibility of the CPEC option has been confirmed through a thorough cost-benefit analysis (CBA). Additionally, the optimal mode of transportation from CPEC seaports to Western China is determined using the fuzzy-based Improved TOPSIS method. The MCDM criteria considered in all scenarios include time, financial outlays, energy consumption, environmental impact, and security risks. The results indicate that the CPEC route and the maritime route via Myanmar outperform the conventional route that passes through the seaports of Eastern China. This study emphasizes the significant advancement in decision-making in crude oil transportation made possible by the fuzzy-based Improved TOPSIS technique.

Strategic Evaluation of China’s Foreign Assistance in Vocational and Technical Education: A Case Study of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

This study examines China’s foreign assistance and cooperation strategies in vocational and technical education (TVET) with a focus on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and associated projects. It highlights key initiatives such as the Punjab Tianjin University of Technology and the "Luban Workshop," which reflect China's commitment to advancing vocational education in Pakistan. Through a detailed analysis, the study identifies the effectiveness of these projects in meeting educational needs, the challenges faced, and the strategic alignment with broader initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Pakistan’s Vision 2025. Findings reveal that while significant progress has been made in improving educational quality and infrastructure, challenges remain in sustainability, market alignment, and support mechanisms. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing future TVET projects, emphasizing the need for robust collaboration, sustainability, and flexibility to address emerging challenges. This research contributes valuable insights into international cooperation in vocational education and offers guidance for policymakers and practitioners involved in similar initiatives.

A multi-sensor drought index for improved agricultural drought monitoring and risk assessment in the heterogeneous landscapes of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Droughts cause significant economic damage worldwide. Evaluating their impacts on crop yield and water resources can help mitigate these losses. Using single variables such as precipitation, temperature, the soil moisture condition index (SMCI) and the vegetation condition index (VCI) to estimate drought impacts does not provide sufficient information on these complex conditions. Therefore, this study uses station-based and remote-sensing-based data to develop new composite drought indexes (CDIs), including the principal component analysis drought index (PSDI) and the gradient boosting method drought index (GBMDI). The first dataset includes historical observations of the standardized precipitation index (SPI), standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), and the self-calibrated Palmer drought severity index (SC-PDSI) at the 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month timescales. The second dataset consists of remote-sensing-based data including the VCI, SMCI, temperature condition index (TCI), and precipitation condition index (PCI). We validated the results of PSDI and GBMDI by comparing them with historical drought events, in-situ drought indices, and annual winter wheat crop yield data from 2003 to 2022 using a regression model. Our temporal analysis revealed extreme to severe drought events during1990s and 2010s. GBMDI typically aligned with actual drought events and exhibited stronger correlations with in-situ drought indices than PSDI. We observed that drought intensity in winter were more severe than in summer. GBMDI was the most effective method, followed by PSDI, for assessing drought impacts on winter wheat yields. Thus, the proposed integrated monitoring framework and indexes offered a valuable and innovative approach to addressing the complexities of agricultural drought, particularly in evaluating its effects.

Indo-Pakistan rivalry and integrated ring balancing: prospects and challenges to regional stability in South Asia

ABSTRACT Pakistan's security landscape faces unprecedented challenges due to India's burgeoning power and its strategic alignment with the United States. This study proposes an innovative ‘Integrated Ring Balancing’ framework to navigate this complex geopolitical environment. The framework operates across three tiers: Tier 1: Direct engagement with immediate neighbors – India, Iran, China, and Afghanistan. Tier 2: Building robust linkages with the neighbors of Pakistan's Tier 1 partners, encompassing South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Tier 3: Leveraging major powers – China, Russia, and the United States – through Tier 1 and 2 partnerships. This multi-layered approach aims to achieve two key objectives: (1) Neutralize India's US-backed advantage: Engaging China and Russia can influence Tier 2 states, particularly in Central Asia, to rebalance their regional positioning towards Pakistan. (2) Develop a collective defense system: Converging geo-economic interests via initiatives like the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can foster a regional security ring around Pakistan. By strategically engaging across these tiers, Pakistan can navigate the complex power dynamics in South Asia, bolster its security, and ultimately safeguard its national interests in the face of a strengthened India.

Internal and External Threats to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been considered a significant development project for Pakistan. Since its inception, the project has attracted billions of dollars into Pakistan’s development sector. However, CPEC is facing several challenges driven by both internal and external factors. Internally, CPEC has been disrupted by the Baloch insurgency, which is driven by grievances among the Baloch, recent terrorist activities inspired by the Taliban's return to Afghanistan, and the looming threat of political instability within Pakistan. Externally, the evolving political situation in Afghanistan, India's concerns about territorial disputes, and the competition between the US and China also have implications for the CPEC project. CPEC is an essential part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is vital for regional integration. However, the internal and external threats have slowed down the progress of the CPEC project. This paper attempts to analyse the prevailing threats to CPEC and present recommendations to overcome them.

Environmental governance in Pakistan: Perspectives and implications for the China-Pakistan economic corridor plan

Environmental governance (EG), climate-resilient development, and environmental sustainability are interlinked phenomena. It is in this context that an evaluation of Pakistan's EG was carried out in order to establish policy insights into the environmental sustainability of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Plan 2017–2030. A questionnaire survey approach (targeting various stakeholder groups), using a multi-criteria decision analysis of ‘Best’ and ‘Worst’ method and an integrated EG framework were used. An important finding is that responsiveness was ranked as best and equity as worst EG themes for CPEC sustainability. Similarly, criteria transparency is considered to be the best aspect and criteria access to information/knowledge the worst. Other aspects scoring highly included e.g. monitoring and evaluation; stakeholder's communication and collaboration in governance processes; mechanisms to ensure that means and rationales of decisions making are transparent for eco-friendly development under the CPEC Plan; stakeholders' input integration in planning and policy implementation; stakeholders capacity building to deal with environmental and CC concerns of CPEC development. Criteria scoring poorly included e.g., effective mechanisms to resolve conflicts between federal and provincial Environmental Protection Agencies and implementation of environmental laws in letter and spirit, as well as marginalized stakeholders' participation in the decision-making process. In this context, the Government needs to establish an effective EG system to ensure environmentally friendly and climate-resilient development (CRD) in the country.