Smuggling along the new silk road: The role of Global Trade Hubs (GTH)
Project Live
PROJECT TEAM
Dr Sami Ben Sassi
University of Birmingham
Contact: s.bensassi@bham.ac.uk
Dr Sami Bensassi is a Reader in Trade and Development Economics in the Birmingham Business School and is a member of the Centre for Crime, Justice and Policing. His research interests lie at the intersection of trade, development and institutions. His recent work has focused on trade informality, corruption and conflict zones. Dr Sami Bensassi's research appears in leading academic journals including World Development, The Journal of Development Studies, The Journal of African Economies and the Review of International Economics. He has received research funding from FCDO, the European Union, the Economic Research Forum and the IFPRI, and collaborated with the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organisation. He has received the University of Birmingham Outstanding International Impact for his research on smuggling at Tunisian land borders. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Paris-Nanterre.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The new maritime Silk Road, part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by the current Chinese president 10 years ago, has been an essential tool of soft power for China and has contributed to the growth of established trade hubs and the development of new ones. We define Global Trade Hubs (GTH) along the maritime silk road as states for which trade represents an economic activity that, in terms of value, is superior to the Gross Domestic Product of the country and/or countries where new port infrastructure able to welcome large-size containership have recently been developed. These countries/cities are essential platforms to facilitate international trade between Europe and Asia. They have constructed a combination of physical assets (ports, airports, roads and/or rail connections), legal frameworks, dedicated services and institutions strongly supporting their roles in moving goods.
The project evaluates the role of Global Trade Hubs (GTH) along the maritime Silk Road in facilitating illicit activities, particularly smuggling, leveraging proven methods based on mirror trade statistics. By comparing these findings with existing assessments of illicit activities and flows, the project aims to provide insights into the potential risks associated with GTH involvement in illicit financial flows (IFFs). Additionally, the study explores the concept of stigma attached to certain trade hubs, such as the Seychelles, analysing its emergence and persistence.
The outcomes of this research carry significant implications for national and international policymaking regarding the risk assessment and categorisation of GTHs in relation to potential exposure to IFFs, and offers insights to guide future policy decisions.
PUBLICATIONS
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Publications from this project will be posted here when available