The Impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on the Economies of the Arab Countries in the Middle East

Abstract

 This article focuses on analyzing the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), one of the main pillars of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), for the Middle East region with a focus on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman. This paper emphasizes the existing economic cooperation between Pakistan and the Arab countries and examines China's increasingly influential commercial activities in the Arab world. The Arab countries are also seeking to achieve economic and political benefits in the near future by leveraging this mega-project. Examples of strategic actions by these countries include Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Qatar's National Vision 2030, and Oman's Vision 2040. The main research question is: What opportunities has the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor created for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman? In discussing the opportunities for developing and deepening relations between these countries and Pakistan-China, the article highlights the capacity-building for regional superiority, simultaneous engagement with the East and West, creation of multi-modal land and sea routes, diversification of energy import sources, and enhancement of energy transfer security for producers and consumers to meet the needs and resources of these countries.