Economic interests, of countries, shape International
Politics and it is these interests/concerns, which bring countries together,
form alliances or create rift among nations. At the core of all alliances and conflicts,
it is these economic interests/concerns, which countries aim to protect and
further at all costs. Therefore, it is imperative to study developments, in the
realm of global Realpolitik, from the lens of economics. The One Belt One Road
(OBOR)
project of China, hence, must be understood from economic perspective & not just
from strategic perspective.
The political-economic changes in United States and
Europe, in the wake of 2007 Recession, dubbed as The Great Recession, compelled
China to take grand initiatives, of economic nature. Apart from changes in
global economic landscape (gradual transformation of large liberal economies
into closed economies), the apprehension pertaining to the political-economic
consequences of possible dwindle in the pace of China's economic growth, pushed the country to take these bold economic measures and conceive/implement ambitious projects such as OBOR.
The enterprise, OBOR, is a massive enterprise, on which China intends to
invest around $800 billion. The sub-enterprise, of this ambitious initiative is
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). For this project (CPEC), China initially
committed $45 billion; however, later the sum was increased to $65 billion.
Several infrastructure and power projects constitute CPEC, which would not only
increase the economic potential of Pakistan, but would also realize the
objective of regional connectivity, increasing trade between the East and West
Asia. The process will not only strengthen existing markets, as per
projections, but will also yield new markets.
For Pakistan, the most evident benefit, in the immediate
short-run, will be the development of infrastructure, which will radically
expand its economic capacity and it will augment its economic potential. In the
short-run the multiplier effect will increase commerce related activities and
general employment level, at least in theory. However, the skeptics are
somewhat uncertain of these alleged reimbursements and their doubts are backed
by evidence and sound reasoning.
Foreign Direct Investment is considered engine of growth and
its spillovers improve the quality of economy, examples are China and India.
However, FDI works when monetary system and policies are effective. Pakistan’s
monetary system and its monetary policies are far from effective. Not only are
the high interest rates a problem, but also the prevailing perception regarding
interest, shaped by Islamic Ideology.
Therefore, some economists are of the view that the multiplier effect,
of this huge investment, would be far less in magnitude/strength than what is being
projected.
Another challenge pertains to the perception regarding the
nature and objectives of CPEC. For instance, India, which is regional power and
third largest economy of the world, in terms of PPP, considers CPEC an
enterprise of strategic nature, which not only has economic objectives, but
also military objectives. Indian strategists assert that Gwader port is being
built for military purposes and through that deep port, China intends to
increase its influence in Indian/Arabian Ocean. The argument, of Indian
politicians-diplomats-strategists, is that if CPEC is entirely an economic
project, why Bin Qasim port has not been considered, which is a fully developed
port and the route, from Western China to Indian Sea through Bin Qasim port, is
more secure?
These apprehensions, of Pakistan’s neighbor (India) and
major economic/military power of region, is not only making this flagship
project of OBOR controversial, but it is also polarizing the entire region, as
India is employing its financial and diplomatic resources to impede the
progress on CPEC enterprise.
To make this enterprise, worth $65 billion, a success, it is
imperative for Pakistan to force evolution on its economic institutions and
improve its economic policies. Without an effective and relevant monetary
policy, which facilitates FDI & increases it multiplier effect, CPEC would
not be able to produce the projected results. In addition, it is also
imperative to allay reservations of India, regarding the nature of project and
its objectives. Some experts are of the view that India’s problem with CPEC is
far more complex and not just limited to Gwadar port; Gilgit Baltistan.
Whatever, might be the concerns, the success of the project, as connectivity
hub, is hard to come by, if India is not part of it. If India becomes part of
it, Pakistan’s relevance for India will increase and it will allow two
countries to address/resolve different issues, such as water and terrorism. In addition it will give more authenticity to
the entire economic scheme, increasing its chances of success.