Speaker
Description
This paper addresses the gap in the literature concerning the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure projects at a regional level. Utilizing a staggered difference-in-differences approach, we analyze the effects of BRI transport infrastructure, including railways, roads, and logistic hubs, on local development. To achieve this, we develop a geographic dataset detailing the timelines of project implementation and completion, and combine it with night light output and population data at the pixel level. Our results indicate a modest increase in population development following project completion, but no significant long-term regional economic growth as measured by nightlight output. The construction phase, however, temporarily boosts economic activity, which subsides after completion. Logistic hubs demonstrate greater developmental impacts compared to railways and roads. Additionally, we observe no significant local migration during the construction phase. Overall, this paper contributes to our understanding of the potential effects of transport infrastructure on regional economies.
