Depending on how the project is made this could be vital for the Chinese economy. China is one of the world's largest food importers, so any policy which increases the amount of irrigated agricultural land is quite welcome. I also think China should learn from Japan and try to use vertical farming so that cities can grow their own produce (like vegetables) locally taking into account the energy generation increase that is coming over the next decade.
As for OBOR I think it has been quite successful in Central Asia and Africa. These were the main focus of the program. What happened in Malaysia is IMHO not that important. Progress on Pakistan has been impressive, regardless of the delays on this or that project. It is unfortunate also that not all projects in Burma have gone through. But the pipelines, which were IMHO the matter of most importance to China, have been going through just fine. OBOR is important since it brings new markets for Chinese products, and new investment areas, in countries which are less allied with the West and hence could improve China's economy even with a trade sanctions war. It also diversifies the energy entry points and transport routes into China.
The canal in Thailand, now that would have been a major achievement, it's a shame they can't agree on an investment like that. It would allow China to completely bypass the Straight of Malacca and cut on shipment times to the West. I think that would have been more important than any Malayan investment.
As for OBOR I think it has been quite successful in Central Asia and Africa. These were the main focus of the program. What happened in Malaysia is IMHO not that important. Progress on Pakistan has been impressive, regardless of the delays on this or that project. It is unfortunate also that not all projects in Burma have gone through. But the pipelines, which were IMHO the matter of most importance to China, have been going through just fine. OBOR is important since it brings new markets for Chinese products, and new investment areas, in countries which are less allied with the West and hence could improve China's economy even with a trade sanctions war. It also diversifies the energy entry points and transport routes into China.
The canal in Thailand, now that would have been a major achievement, it's a shame they can't agree on an investment like that. It would allow China to completely bypass the Straight of Malacca and cut on shipment times to the West. I think that would have been more important than any Malayan investment.