The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) seeks research proposals that examine the impact of Chinese investment on economic and government institutions of the recipient countries. As part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s role as a global player in international finance and development has grown as its investments become more prominent in countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. In Africa, several countries have struck deals with China for large-scale funding and loans, including resource-backed loans in infrastructure and energy development projects, mining, and other strategic industries.

While the exact scope of the study will be determined based on the selected proposal, applicants must follow the guidelines below and propose a research framework that explores the nature of Chinese investments and loans, focusing on key issues such as debt sustainability, lending practices, transparency, and the long-term impact on local industries and governance. The research questions below are meant to guide applicants to submit the proposal with a realistic and rigorous methodology appropriate for this research.

Guiding Questions

What is the impact of Chinese financial involvement on the governance structures and institutional accountability of recipient countries, and how does it affect democratic processes at the local level, including transparency and corruption levels?
What is the impact of Chinese investment on the local markets, small and medium enterprises, and what is the role of the local private sector in these investments?
How do Chinese lending practices to other countries depart from standard international sovereign lending practices and what are the implications for the international financial system and economic development in emerging markets?

Review Process

CIPE will consider proposals on the above topic and judge them on the strength, originality and clarity of the proposed ideas. Proposals that do not respond directly to the above topics will not be considered. Full terms, including the final structure of the paper, deliverables, timeline and compensation schedule will be determined through an agreement between the selected researcher and CIPE, and specified in a contract or honorarium letter. CIPE will review the submitted materials and contact selected researchers for an interview before awarding the contract.

Submission Guidelines

Please submit the following documents by December 6, 2024.

An abstract (300 words or less) of the proposed topic and research methodology.
A CV and a sample research paper, preferably written for a policy or NGO audience.
A budget proposal that includes a daily rate, number of billable days, and other expected related expenses incurred during research. The entire cost proposal should not exceed the maximum available funds of $20,000 USD.

Applicants must hold the following minimum credentials:

Post-graduate degree, from an accredited institution of higher learning, in economics, public policy, business, political science, international relations or other related fields.
A minimum of six years of research and writing experience in policy or economic reform, markets, entrepreneurship, democratic governance, corruption, etc., with a focus in emerging and/or transition economies.
Strong commitment to ethical and professional standards of research.

Selected researcher will be notified by December 13, 2024.

Please submit all the required documents and any inquiries related to the format or timeline to CIPE’s Policy & Program Learning (PPL) Program Director Mikra Krasniqi at mkrasniqi@cipe.org.