The role of industrial factors in socio-economic development of Sichuan Province in the context of 'one belt, one road' initiative

Abstract

Sichuan Province is an important junction area connecting south-western, north-western and central regions of China. For decades, the socio-economic development of this region has been the focus of major effort on the part of the Chinese government. At the moment, the regional authorities of Sichuan seek to maximize the region’s potential within the framework of the ‘One Belt, One Road’ Initiative. However, despite the abundance of mineral and other natural resources, modern transport infrastructure, and significant GDP growth, the province faces a number of challenges, primarily in the sphere of domestic and international economic cooperation. Sichuan is also suffering from the massive outflow of workforce to other regions and countries. In this article, we discuss the key industrial factors that determine the socio-economic development of Sichuan. Our analysis of the available statistical data has shown that the region’s participation in ‘One Belt, One Road’ Initiative would allow it to strengthen its position on the national and international arena, attract new investors and improve its competitive advantage in comparison with the coastal regions of China. Another viable option for the regional government would be to establish a special economic zone, which means building an appropriate infrastructure or reconstructing the already existing facilities, offering tax-and-tariff incentives, and introducing simplified bureaucratic procedures.