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China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Life Expectancy in Host Countries: Empirical Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Hak Yeung

    (Shenzhen Technology University)

  • Jürgen Huber

    (University of Innsbruck)

Abstract

Increasing life expectancy is part of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is a primary indicator of overall quality of life. This paper investigates whether Chinese overseas direct investments into Belt and Road countries have brought about improvement in the life expectancy in these countries, using datasets compiled by non-China sources for the period 2005–2019. This topic has not been addressed in the literature to date. In addition, the generalized method of moments estimation approach used in the study incorporates a novel application of a systematic sequential model specification search which removes the criticism of the flexibility inherent in the method. No significant impact on life expectancy was found from such investments in the Belt and Road countries, which is likely because life expectancy changes slowly, and effects on life expectancy, if present, may only become measurable in years or decades.

Suggested Citation

  • Hak Yeung & Jürgen Huber, 2023. "China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Life Expectancy in Host Countries: Empirical Analysis," International Advances in Economic Research, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 29(4), pages 225-242, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:iaecre:v:29:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s11294-023-09884-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11294-023-09884-9
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Life expectancy; China; Belt and road; Foreign direct investment; Sustainable development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration
    • F21 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements
    • F63 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Economic Development
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations

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