China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Beyond 2030: A Green Alliance For Sustainable Development – Book Review
The book China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Beyond 2030 provides insights into the transformative potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), its current scope, and how the project can shape the economy and geopolitics of the region. Rabia Akhtar’s book presents an insightful analysis of CPEC beyond 2030. The book comprises six chapters authored by six different experts in relevant fields, compiled by Dr. Rabia Akhtar, who holds a Ph.D. in security studies from Kansas State University.
Chapter 1, The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Past, Present, Future, is authored by Ambassador (R) Naghmana Hashmi. She discusses sustainable development and the potential of CPEC to transform into a green development initiative. The chapter provides an overview of the significance of trade routes like the Silk Route and sheds light on the leadership’s vision to enhance trade capacity and create jobs by reviving infrastructural connectivity between Asia and the Arabian Sea. The author underlines that Gwadar Port is an essential hub for Pakistan, with the potential to foster regional integration by linking South Asia with Central Asia and Middle Eastern economies (p. 16).
Chapter 2, CPEC Beyond 2030: Policy Lessons for Development Environment Sustainable Special Economic Zones (SEZs), authored by Dr. Hassan Daud Butt, discusses the critical role of SEZs, pointing out their significant impact on the environment and the increasing emissions of carbon dioxide. Dr. Butt opines in this chapter that in August 2010, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) initiated a nationwide experimental project focused on creating low-carbon provinces and low-carbon cities (p. 45). Furthermore, he illustrates the planning and necessities of operations in SEZs to mitigate the ecological footprint. Dr. Butt provides ideas for environmental regulations, the development of green SEZs, an energy-efficient transportation system, and policies for global sustainability that aim to reduce greenhouse gases. He also suggests the successful implementation of green SEZs. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2019, the reported number of SEZs increased from 4,000 in 2015 to 5,400 in 2019, indicating a 35% growth (p. 47).
Chapter 3, The Green Dimension: Environmental Considerations of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), authored by Dr. Asif Amin, analyzes CPEC and how it has been aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), focusing on environmental sustainability through its projects. CPEC is a mega-project designed to enhance connectivity between Pakistan and China. In this chapter, the author highlights the risks as well as the environmental benefits of CPEC. He further mentions advantages in renewable energy, such as wind and solar energy, and suggests developing dams to alleviate water scarcity in Pakistan. Additionally, the author refers to various scholars and mentions that experts argue most of CPEC’s territory is in arid and semi-arid regions with dense populations and delicate biological environments. As a result, these regions’ food, energy, and water supplies are severely challenged (p. 77). Dr. Amin expresses concern about environmental degradation, stating that deforestation causes air and water pollution and loss of biodiversity.
Chapter 4, The Road to a Green Alliance: Synergizing CPEC and SDGs, authored by Yan Zhen, explores the linkages between CPEC and the U.N.’s 2030 agenda through practices such as renewable energy projects and green technologies. Zhen provides detailed facts about CPEC and its contribution to economic development with sustainable practices, ensuring that the benefits are widely shared to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to China’s General Administration of Customs, China’s exports of clean energy equipment, such as solar panels and wind turbines, reached $25.9 billion in 2021, a year-on-year increase of 54.3% (p. 93). In addition, Chinese companies have built several clean energy projects overseas and provided many clean energy products and services to other countries.
Chapter 5, Transforming CPEC into a Green Alliance: Challenges and Opportunities, authored by Dr. Marriyam Siddique, highlights environmental challenges and the need for technological adaptation in transforming CPEC into a green alliance. In this chapter, the author further discusses climate change issues and their impacts, such as living standards, and how a shift toward green energy generates employment and improves food security. The author states that China and Pakistan stand to benefit from green funding within the CPEC Green Alliance. Implementing green reporting standards, offering training, and enhancing capacity building are essential strategies to encourage businesses to engage in environmentally friendly investments (p. 112). The chapter emphasizes the potential of a sustainable development path to overcome challenges through the mutual efforts of China and Pakistan. It explores a visionary outlook on the most significant economic corridor of the 21st century.
Chapter 6, CPEC and Sustainability: A Model for the World, authored by Dr. Xiaoyu Zhang, discusses CPEC as a mega-project with development goals, regarded as a blueprint that aims to balance economic, environmental, and social growth. Over the past 10 years, the Belt and Road cooperation has aroused the enthusiasm of more than 150 countries to realize their dreams and bring profound changes to the world (p. 123). The chapter provides an analysis of CPEC’s influence on global practices, assesses its impact over the last decade, and highlights its role in promoting regional and international cooperation through the SDGs. Xiaoyu discusses the BRI’s role in transformation, including the economic, infrastructure, and socio-political impact of CPEC, which reduces poverty, increases job opportunities, and enhances regional connectivity. CPEC has created more indirect job opportunities, with more than 100 local small and medium-sized enterprises benefiting from CPEC projects, helping to alleviate poverty in Pakistan (p. 137).
In conclusion, the reviewed book contributes significantly to the geographic advancement of the region, positioning Pakistan as a central gateway to Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This book fills an existing gap in the literature, benefiting scholars of international relations, policymakers, and economists. It presents facts and potential for future developments.
