Tripartite Odyssey: Tracing Paths of Cooperation Through In-Depth Case Studies

This chapter explores the practical implementation of tripartite cooperation, using the Hinkley Point C project in the UK and three Nigerian port projects as case studies. The chapter is divided into two sections, each dedicated to one of the case studies. Initially, the chapter provides relevant background information on these cases. It then proceeds to examine the roles of government and firms in influencing project progression, transaction costs, and additional benefits. This examination is pivotal in analysing how China and its partners alter the dynamics of project finance activities. Moreover, the chapter aims to identify how the varied economic and political contexts of the participants impact project outcomes and how beneficiary countries influence transaction costs and benefits within tripartite cooperation frameworks. Hinkley Point C was selected due to its extensive documentation. The UK government has disclosed relevant documents, including operational and financing contracts, which are fully accessible online. Additionally, the UK media has provided comprehensive coverage throughout the project’s timeline. The three Nigerian port projects were chosen for their geographic proximity and differing operational processes, making them ideal for comparative analysis. The analysis is grounded in more than 230 documents related to the Hinkley Point C project and over 180 documents related to the Nigerian port projects. These documents include government reports and news articles. In-depth interviews were conducted with five key individuals involved in the Hinkley Point C project, including project managers, a member of the labour union, and UK government officials. Similarly, interviews were conducted with six individuals from the Nigerian port projects, involving project managers, a vice president, and staff from the Nigeria Ports Authority. By employing a combination of document analysis and interviews, this chapter provides an in-depth examination of these case studies, offering insights into the complexities and dynamics of international infrastructure projects within the tripartite cooperation framework.