For Tajikistan, the Belt and Road Is Paved with Good Intentions
Sam Reynolds
economy, Asia
But so far it has proved disappointing.
Chinese investments are laying the groundwork for global economic development, but perilous obstacles remain.
Of the fifteen independent states formed after the fall of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan ranks lowest in human development. The country’s location at the epicenter of the Pamir Knot, a mountainous intersection where the Pamir, Karakoram, Hindu Kush and Tian Shan ranges converge, means that it faces towering obstacles to both political unification and economic growth.
Fortunately—or unfortunately—Tajikistan is a crucial piece in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Although Beijing, backed by the United Nations, claims that BRI investments in trade-creating infrastructure projects will raise living standards for participating countries, to date, its ventures in Tajikistan suggest otherwise. The BRI is a mutually-advantageous opportunity—while China bolsters its access to foreign markets and diversifies supply chains, Tajikistan receives much-needed development infrastructure to facilitate economic development. However, both sides may not fully reap BRI’s potential benefits unless greater attention is given to inclusivity, remuneration, local employment and human rights.
Building without foundations of the necessary
BRI projects in Tajikistan range from roads and railways to pipelines and power plants, even including traffic cameras. China recently overtook Russia as the country’s largest source of foreign investment. But there are several reasons to believe that investments will not contribute to the economic development of Tajikistani society at large.
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