Blue Economic Corridors as a Part of the Belt and Road Initiative and Their Implications for The World Economy

Abstract

Goal – the aim of this article is to present the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road as the maritime complement to the Silk Road Economic Belt, paying particular attention to the benefits and costs for China and other countries. Research methodology – the article uses the method of descriptive and explanatory research, as well as the cause and effect analysis based on a review of the literature on the subject. Score/results – presentation of the importance of the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and its enormous economic potential as well as other key ramifications for the various nations situated along the routes and the world economy. Originality/value – blue economic corridors need to be understood as complement to each other regarding the strategic integration of the regions under the BRI and the benefits and costs of the engagement in them are different for various groups of countries. The implications of the MSR for China and other countries are presented in the tables covering both advantages and benefits plus disadvantages and threats.