This thesis answers the following research question: to what extent do the Chinese government and Chinese companies contribute to the development of Pakistan’s domestic wind energy industry through...Show moreThis thesis answers the following research question: to what extent do the Chinese government and Chinese companies contribute to the development of Pakistan’s domestic wind energy industry through technology transfer (TT)? In order to assess this question, I use China as a benchmark for successful TT in the wind industry. The main finding is that there is evidence that the Chinese government and Chinese companies contribute to the development of Pakistan’s wind energy industry through TT. The Chinese government does so through its involvement in several Pakistani knowledge institutions. As for Chinese companies, they go to great lengths to employ and train Pakistani engineers, and one Chinese company even works together with a Pakistani engineering company. That being said, this thesis also finds that Chinese companies are outcompeting Pakistani companies. This prevents Pakistani companies from gaining valuable learning experiences and may also dissuade them from investing in wind-related technologies. However, this is not some scheme by the Chinese government to hollow out a fledgling Pakistani industry. Instead, it is a result of ineffective policies by the Pakistani government itself. This thesis contains three important takeaways. First, it shows that, when it comes to providing training opportunities for locals in Pakistan, Chinese companies follow their government’s official objectives. Second, it underlines earlier findings by Schneider et al. (2021, 25) by showing that local actors play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of Chinese foreign economic activities. Chinese actors cannot single-handedly ensure TT in their foreign operations; the interactive nature of TT also demands strenuous efforts by companies and government institutions in the receiving countries. Third, by using China as a benchmark, this thesis also shows us that—when it comes to developing a domestic wind energy industry—a highly coordinated, state-led approach like the one adopted by China is more effective than Pakistan’s market-driven approach.Show less
The rising prominence of Chinese aid has aroused both enthusiasm and worry among those concerned with economic development. Some believe that China’s approach to aid offers developing countries a...Show moreThe rising prominence of Chinese aid has aroused both enthusiasm and worry among those concerned with economic development. Some believe that China’s approach to aid offers developing countries a better alternative than traditional methods of aid, that have arguably failed to stimulate economic development among emerging economies. Others believe that China threatens the international aid architecture, and its engagements in the developing world represent a “neo-colonial” relationship with recipient countries. Yet, despite these contesting debates, very little empirical research tests China’s effectiveness in stimulating economic development in developing economies, specifically their engagements in South Asia. This research hopes to use the China-Pakistan economic corridor as a case-study to analyse China’s engagements in Pakistan, a topic not currently discussed in mainstream international relations. Using Ezeala-Harrison’s theory of economic definition to test China’s developmental efforts in Pakistan, the findings of this study critique China’s aid patterns in developing countries, and hope to reveal the deeper underlying motivations behind China’s investments in Pakistan, and in extension, their engagements with the developing world.Show less
Abstract: From the start, international community has been particularly attaching importance to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(Urdu: چین-پاک اقتصادی راہداری), a flagship project of the “One Belt...Show moreAbstract: From the start, international community has been particularly attaching importance to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(Urdu: چین-پاک اقتصادی راہداری), a flagship project of the “One Belt One Road ’’Initiative. As a vital part of CPEC, Pakistan plays a momentous role whose attitudes are worthy to be delved. According to the exploration of Pakistani official websites, think tank, individuals, media,academic circle and network forums, attitudes toward CPEC can be divided into active support, discreet neutrality and vigilant opposition. Authority,individuals and main think tank call for a wholehearted backing for the great significance of CPEC to Pakistan while English and Urdu media and academic area carefully maintain neutrality and some of the Pakistani network forums perceive CPEC to be futile. China should be answerable to the situation mentioned above by taking effective steps of deepening all-round cooperation, promoting China-Pakistan media communication, refuting false statements etc.Show less
