The BRI is expanding – and so is the role of local actors. The Pakistani parliament is likely to vote on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority Bill which is set to create a new supranational body overlooking the $62 billion economic corridor [Pakistan Army set to gain sweeping Belt and Road authority]. Lawmakers have expressed concern that the bill allows for the Pakistani military to gain the control of the new organisation, leaving little room for accountability over the management of CPEC.
A lack of transparency is also an issue for observing how China handles debt renegotiation with BRI partner countries. According to a study from Rhodium Group at least 15 countries, including Pakistan, Kenya, and Laos, are currently renegotiating their debts with China [Renegotiating China Belt And Road Debt]. While such procedures are handled in strict confidence, officials from the Maldives have speculated that the loan rates might be charged at an interest rate that is inflated during the renegotiations. Assertions like that illuminate the importance of accountability and transparency in the way local management authorities of BRI projects are appointed and scrutinized.
Mirela Petkova
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