Assessing the impact of one belt and road (OBOR) initiative on trade potential and transportation efficiency using a gravity model analysis

Abstract Using a gravity model approach, this study evaluates the trade potential between China and its partner countries under the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. By comparing actual trade flows with simulated scenarios based on improved infrastructure and economic integration, the analysis id...

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Main Authors: Alshreef Abed, Kazeem Babatunde, Aza Azlina, Osman Ghanem, Saidat O. Onikosi-Alliyu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-07-01
Series:Discover Sustainability
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01634-7
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author Alshreef Abed
Kazeem Babatunde
Aza Azlina
Osman Ghanem
Saidat O. Onikosi-Alliyu
author_facet Alshreef Abed
Kazeem Babatunde
Aza Azlina
Osman Ghanem
Saidat O. Onikosi-Alliyu
author_sort Alshreef Abed
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Using a gravity model approach, this study evaluates the trade potential between China and its partner countries under the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. By comparing actual trade flows with simulated scenarios based on improved infrastructure and economic integration, the analysis identifies countries and regions with the highest capacity for trade expansion. The results show that GDP size, trade openness, geographic distance, and transport infrastructure significantly influence bilateral trade flows. Countries with enhanced connectivity, particularly those situated along key OBOR corridors, are projected to benefit the most in relative and absolute terms. Beyond its economic implications, this research holds substantial value for sustainable development. It highlights how strategic infrastructure investment and trade facilitation can contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth. The study supports evidence-based policymaking that fosters regional integration, reduces trade-related inequalities, and promotes resilient, interconnected economies by identifying disparities and potential gains across regions.
format Article
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institution DOAJ
issn 2662-9984
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher Springer
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series Discover Sustainability
spelling doaj-art-1d7a75c52abe463f820fc3d6a268464e2025-08-20T03:04:21ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842025-07-016112610.1007/s43621-025-01634-7Assessing the impact of one belt and road (OBOR) initiative on trade potential and transportation efficiency using a gravity model analysisAlshreef Abed0Kazeem Babatunde1Aza Azlina2Osman Ghanem3Saidat O. Onikosi-Alliyu4Graduate School of Management, Postgraduate Centre, Management and Science UniversitySchool of Business, Monash University MalaysiaGraduate School of Management, Postgraduate Centre, Management and Science UniversitySchool of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong UniversityEconomics Department, Al-Hikmah UniversityAbstract Using a gravity model approach, this study evaluates the trade potential between China and its partner countries under the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. By comparing actual trade flows with simulated scenarios based on improved infrastructure and economic integration, the analysis identifies countries and regions with the highest capacity for trade expansion. The results show that GDP size, trade openness, geographic distance, and transport infrastructure significantly influence bilateral trade flows. Countries with enhanced connectivity, particularly those situated along key OBOR corridors, are projected to benefit the most in relative and absolute terms. Beyond its economic implications, this research holds substantial value for sustainable development. It highlights how strategic infrastructure investment and trade facilitation can contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth. The study supports evidence-based policymaking that fosters regional integration, reduces trade-related inequalities, and promotes resilient, interconnected economies by identifying disparities and potential gains across regions.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01634-7
spellingShingle Alshreef Abed
Kazeem Babatunde
Aza Azlina
Osman Ghanem
Saidat O. Onikosi-Alliyu
Assessing the impact of one belt and road (OBOR) initiative on trade potential and transportation efficiency using a gravity model analysis
Discover Sustainability
title Assessing the impact of one belt and road (OBOR) initiative on trade potential and transportation efficiency using a gravity model analysis
title_full Assessing the impact of one belt and road (OBOR) initiative on trade potential and transportation efficiency using a gravity model analysis
title_fullStr Assessing the impact of one belt and road (OBOR) initiative on trade potential and transportation efficiency using a gravity model analysis
title_full_unstemmed Assessing the impact of one belt and road (OBOR) initiative on trade potential and transportation efficiency using a gravity model analysis
title_short Assessing the impact of one belt and road (OBOR) initiative on trade potential and transportation efficiency using a gravity model analysis
title_sort assessing the impact of one belt and road obor initiative on trade potential and transportation efficiency using a gravity model analysis
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01634-7
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