As the world witnesses a surge in international infrastructure initiatives, projects like the Build Back Better World (B3W) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor (IMEC) are gaining prominence alongside the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Zoon Ahmed Khan, a researcher at the Center for China and Globalization, emphasizes that while these new projects offer developing nations multiple choices for growth and development, the underlying intent to rival or replace the BRI could be counterproductive.
Khan argues that the Global North's approach to introducing alternative infrastructure frameworks might fragment international collaboration efforts. Instead of fostering a cohesive strategy for global development, competing initiatives may lead to duplication of efforts and inefficiencies, ultimately hindering progress in critical sectors such as transportation, energy, and digital connectivity.
Developing countries, which stand to benefit the most from robust infrastructure, may find themselves caught in a web of competing agendas, making it harder to secure consistent and reliable support. Khan advocates for a more unified approach that leverages the strengths of existing initiatives like the BRI while integrating new projects to create a synergistic impact.
By prioritizing collaboration over competition, the international community can ensure that infrastructure development remains a tool for sustainable growth and shared prosperity, rather than a battleground for geopolitical influence.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
