There is much speculation about the future of China’s Belt and Road initiative and how the country will approach foreign investment in coming years, as more loan recipients face default and other problems. Details around the deals are scarce, and as potential partners and policymakers seek approaches to mitigate risk, experts across Asia and the Pacific are attempting to address the information void.
Their BRI Monitor initiative analyzes publicly available data on Chinese infrastructure projects to assess the degree of financial exposure for host countries and promote accountability and transparency. This work, which includes numerous case studies and heat mapping, is helping countries identify governance gaps that make them vulnerable to “corrosive capital” situations that may lead to economic and political manipulation. BRI Monitor partners are also launching a new policy brief series to highlight lessons learned and recommendations to help countries position themselves to receive constructive capital opportunities that will lead to stronger and healthier economies.
