Neglecting human resource development in OBOR, a case of the China–Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC)
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCEFTS-08-2016-0023 |
| Date | 05 June 2017 |
| Pages | 130-142 |
| Published date | 05 June 2017 |
| Author | Adeel Ahmed,Mohd Anuar Arshad,Arshad Mahmood,Sohail Akhtar |
| Subject Matter | Economics,International economics |
Neglecting human resource
development in OBOR, a case of
the China–Pakistan economic
corridor (CPEC)
Adeel Ahmed
School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia and
University of Turbat, Turbat, Pakistan, and
Mohd Anuar Arshad,Arshad Mahmood and Sohail Akhtar
School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to obtain greaterinsights into the implications for human resource
development (HRD) in times of economic development, with a focus on China–Pakistan economic corridor
(CPEC). In recent times ofeconomic development, a number of economic corridors have emergedglobally as
tools of regional cooperation and development. In the context of Pakistan, there is a lack of appropriate
attention to the field of HRD, which has suffered neglect through the decades (Abbasi and Burdey, 2008;
Asrar-ul-Haq, 2015). With this conception, the present economic interventions merit a well-constructed and
proper HRD policy for Pakistan. This study will provide HRD insights for policymakers, researchers,
entrepreneursand business executives.
Design/methodology/approach –The research approach of this study is purely based on literature
review and on secondarydata.
Findings –Based on the facts and literature reviews, this study concluded that One belt, One Road in
general and CPEC in particularas an economic corridor can bring sustainable and long-lasting impacton the
economyonly if HRD is given proper attention.
Originality/value –To the best knowledge of the researchers, this is the first study that highlightedthe
HRD issue in CPEC.
Keywords China, Pakistan, HRD, Economic development, CPEC, OBOR
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The One belt, One Road (OBOR) strategy initiated by the Chinese Government in 2013 refers to
the new Silk Road Economic Belt that connects China with Europe through Central, Western
and Southeast Asian countries. China’s concrete deliverable interest in the international
investment regime is becoming much influential in the region (Sauvant, 2016). In fact, OBOR is
a massive integration or networking of the Chinese economy with the rest of the world.
Strategically, the focal point where OBOR intersects is Gwadar, a port city in Pakistan (Saran,
2015). In this economic initiative, Pakistan is regarded as the artery for the corridor, as it
provides the land, maritime energy and economic routes for the corridor (Ranjan, 2015).
Pakistan’s geo-strategic location is considered as the most crucial part of China’s New Silk
Road Initiative OBOR. The general geographic importance of Pakistan –andthatofGwadar
Port in particular –is significant to China’s policymakers in overcoming oil supply challenges
in future and uncovering Western China to the world through economic connectivity (Shaikh
JCEFTS
10,2
130
Journalof Chinese Economic and
ForeignTrade Studies
Vol.10 No. 2, 2017
pp. 130-142
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1754-4408
DOI 10.1108/JCEFTS-08-2016-0023
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