Neglecting human resource development in OBOR, a case of the China–Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC)

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to obtain greater insights into the implications for human resource development (HRD) in times of economic development, with a focus on China–Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC). In recent times of economic development, a number of economic corridors have emerged globally as tools of regional cooperation and development. In the context of Pakistan, there is a lack of appropriate attention to the field of HRD, which has suffered neglect through the decades (Abbasi and Burdey, 2008; Asrar-ul-Haq, 2015). With this conception, the present economic interventions merit a well-constructed and proper HRD policy for Pakistan. This study will provide HRD insights for policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and business executives. Design/methodology/approach The research approach of this study is purely based on literature review and on secondary data. Findings Based on the facts and literature reviews, this study concluded that One belt, One Road in general and CPEC in particular as an economic corridor can bring sustainable and long-lasting impact on the economy only if HRD is given proper attention. Originality/value To the best knowledge of the researchers, this is the first study that highlighted the HRD issue in CPEC.