Employment Insecurity as a Driver of Informal Cross Border Trade: A Case Study of the China–Kazakhstan Border

This research paper investigates the relationship between employment insecurity and informal cross border trade (ICBT) at the China–Kazakhstan border. By conducting a survey of individuals involved in ICBT, this study aims to understand the factors that drive individuals to engage in this type of economic activity. The findings suggest that employment insecurity, characterized by factors such as inadequate wages, lack of social security, and precarious employment conditions, is a significant driver of ICBT. Individuals facing employment insecurity often turn to ICBT as a means of supplementing their income and ensuring their livelihoods. This research contributes to the understanding of the complex dynamics of informal trade and its relationship to employment insecurity in the context of the China–Kazakhstan border.