The Bri in Malaysia's Port Sector

Drivers of Success and Failure

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3792275
AutoresF E Hutchinson (0000-0002-8290-9474), Tham Siew Yean (0000-0002-2717-5973)
Ano2021
Volume52
Fascículo3
Páginas688-721
Data de publicação2021-05-27
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAsian Affairs (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0306-8374 • E-ISSN: 1477-1500
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03068374.2021.1957305
OpenAlexW3126464782
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas3
Referências citadas9

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been characterised as a large-scale initiative to boost the movement of goods and services, capital, and people from China to Southeast Asia and beyond. Transport and logistics are a key aspect of this enterprise, with many projects focussing on railways, road networks, and ports receiving priority attention. However, BRI-related initiatives are often cast in unitary terms, with agency and autonomy almost uniquely ascribed to China-based firms and funders, and very little attributed to host country agents or their interests. Since 2013, Malaysia has received substantial inflows of BRI-related funds for infrastructure, particularly railways and ports. The Kuantan Port Expansion on Peninsular Malaysia's East Coast and the Melaka Gateway on its West Coast are two port-centred development projects associated with the BRI. Begun at the same time, these initiatives are similarly structured, as joint ventures linking large China-based state-owned enterprises with local players. Despite their similarities, these two projects have followed vastly different trajectories. While the Kuantan Port Expansion is proceeding according to schedule, the Melaka Gateway lies mired in delays and controversy. Through comparing and contrasting these two projects, this article will explore how – despite China's financial and political influence – host country actors can and do oppose, subvert, and even veto infrastructure initiatives perceived as inimical to their interests

Autonomy · Business · China · Economics · Economy · Gateway (web page · Political science · Port (circuit theory · Economic Zones and Regional Development · Engineering · Global trade and economics · Maritime Ports and Logistics · Finance