THE IMPACT OF THE NEW SILK ROAD INITIATIVE ON THE ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OF CENTRAL ASIA
Abstract
The New Silk Road—officially known as China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—has become a transformative force in reshaping the economic geography of Central Asia. This paper analyzes how transport infrastructure, trade routes, and investment flows under the BRI are altering regional connectivity, economic hubs, and spatial development in countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The research assesses major transport corridors, logistic hubs, and emerging economic zones, while also addressing geopolitical, environmental, and debt-related concerns.Keywords
New Silk Road, Belt and Road Initiative, Central Asia, economic geography, transport corridors, regional connectivity, spatial transformation
References
- Asian Development Bank (2023). Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Corridor Performance Report.
- World Bank (2022). Belt and Road Economics: Opportunities and Risks of Transport Corridors.
- Cooley, A. (2019). The Emerging Political Economy of the New Silk Road.
- National Statistics Committees of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan (2013–2023).
- Freeman, C. P. (2021). “BRI and Central Asia: Infrastructure, Influence, and Identity.” Eurasian Geography and Economics, 62(4).
- UNESCAP (2023). Transport Connectivity in Central Asia: Trends and Outlook.
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