China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Beyond 2030: A Green Alliance for Sustainable Development

In the contemporary global landscape, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emerges as a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), illustrating a profound fusion of infrastructural might and economic foresight. This monumental project, over $60 billion, aims to connect China’s western provinces through Pakistan to the Arabian Sea, enhancing regional connectivity and creating significant economic opportunities for both nations involved. However, the complexity of CPEC extends beyond mere economic and infrastructural dimensions; it encompasses significant geopolitical, environmental, and socio-economic challenges and opportunities.

This edited volume titled “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Beyond 2030: A Green Alliance for Sustainable Development” seeks to provide a comprehensive and critical assessment of CPEC, focusing on its sustainability and green potential. Against the backdrop of global sustainability challenges exacerbated by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, this book explores the avenues through which CPEC could transform into a green development initiative. It delves into the project’s environmental, social, and economic impacts and proposes a roadmap for integrating sustainable practices into its framework.

This project is a timely contribution to the ongoing discourse on CPEC, particularly as the world navigates uncharted territories marked by unprecedented challenges. It aims to fill a critical gap in the existing literature, which predominantly focuses on the economic and strategic dimensions of CPEC, by emphasizing its potential environmental and social impacts. By proposing a more holistic and balanced approach to the Corridor’s development, the book advocates for a transformation that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports a sustainable future for the region and beyond.