Evaluating megaprojects from a sustainability perspective: a case of China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC)
Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies
ISSN: 1754-4408
Article publication date: 10 March 2022
Issue publication date: 27 May 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impact of various economic, social and environmental issues on the sustainable development of Pakistan, both directly and indirectly through the sustainability dimensions of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar megaproject.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a quantitative (deductive) methodological approach, data were collected using a strategy of an online questionnaire survey from diverse stakeholders of CPEC in Pakistan. Partial least squares-based structural equation modeling technique was used to test the relationship between observed and latent variables.
Findings
The results confirmed the positive impact of various economic, social and environmental issues on the sustainable development of Pakistan directly and indirectly through the partial mediation of sustainability dimensions of CPEC.
Practical implications
Sustainability perceptions of stakeholders about CPEC and its relationship with sustainable development are critical issues for governments and policymakers. This paper suggest how economic, social and environmental dimensions of CPEC can enhance the positive perception which is necessary for stakeholder involvement and support for megaprojects such as CPEC.
Originality/value
This study evaluated the megaprojects of CPEC from a sustainability perspective through stakeholders’ perceptions by proposing and testing a parsimonious research model that has never been examined in the existing literature.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge cooperation extended by the participants of this study. The efforts of Mr. Zeeshan Iqbal (M.Phil Scholar) for helping us in data collection are also acknowledged. The authors are thankful to the editors and anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments and suggestions.
Funding: Research reported in this paper was supported by the Center of Excellence for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under Competitive Research Grant - 2017/18.
Citation
Hassan, M., Mahmood, Z., Janjua, S. and Asif, N. (2022), "Evaluating megaprojects from a sustainability perspective: a case of China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC)", Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 150-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCEFTS-10-2021-0063
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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