China Steps Back, ADB Steps In: Pakistan’s Belt and Road Shake-Up Explored | Vantage with Palki

China Steps Back, ADB Steps In: Pakistan’s Belt and Road Shake-Up Explored | Vantage with Palki Sharma
In this insightful episode, we delve into the evolving dynamics of Pakistan's flagship infrastructure project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as China scales back its direct involvement and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) steps in to fill the gap. CPEC, a central pillar of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has long been touted as transformative for Pakistan’s economy by connecting Gwadar port to western China, aiming to boost trade and energy security. However, recent shifts have led to uncertainties, prompting new actors like ADB to play a more prominent role in financing and supporting Pakistan’s infrastructure development.
We analyze the implications of China’s reduced engagement on Pakistan’s economic and geopolitical landscape, considering challenges such as project delays, debt concerns, and security issues. The discussion also explores how ADB’s intervention might reshape the corridor's future, balancing development goals with sustainable investment and regional stability. Join host Palki Sharma for expert insights into this critical pivot in one of Asia's most ambitious regional initiatives and what it means for Pakistan, China, and the broader Belt and Road network.
#CPEC #BeltandRoad #PakistanInfrastructure #AsianDevelopmentBank #Geopolitics