Economic and Social Effects of Multinational Enterprises in Export Processing Zones
Economic and Social Effects of Multinational Enterprises in Export Processing Zones

Author: Centre on Transnational Corporations (United Nations)

Publisher:

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13:

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One of the most remarkable structural changes which took place in the world economy in the 1970s and the first half of the 1980s is undoubtedly the growth of export processing zones (EPZs) in the developing countries and areas: employment in these zones grew from around 50,000 in 1970 to over 1.3 million by 1986. Judging from the current plans for new EPZs in over a dozen countries and the expansion plans for existing zones, it would seem that employment in EPZs could continue to grow rapidly in the next few years. The phenomenon of EPZs and the role of multinational enterprises in them have been the subject of heated debate. This monograph sheds light on the multinationals' contribution to employment generation, export earnings, technology transfer and the development of linkages with the local economy. These are measured against the initial cost of the incentive package for establishing and maintaining the zones. Questions related to working conditions and labour relations are also highlighted. The book confronts a number of widely held assumptions with the available facts and figures, and points to the possible evolution of EPZs in the economies of newly industrializing countries. It envisages the emergence of the "export processing country" and a more open and competitive approach to industrial development.

Special Economic Zones
Special Economic Zones

Author: Thomas Farole

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2011-08-01

Total Pages: 347

ISBN-13: 0821387634

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For countries as diverse as China and Mauritius, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been a powerful tool to attract foreign investment, promote export-oriented growth, and generate employment; for many others, the results have been less than encouraging. While the benefits and limitations of zones will no doubt continue to be debated, what is clear is that policymakers are increasingly attracted to them as an instrument of trade, investment, industrial, and spatial policy. Since the mid 1980s, the number of newly-established zones has grown rapidly in almost all regions, with dramatic growth in developing countries. In parallel with this growth and in the evolving context of global trade and investment, zones are also undergoing significant change in both their form and function, with traditional export processing zones (EPZs) increasingly giving way to larger and more flexible SEZ models. This new context will bring significant opportunities for developing countries to take advantage of SEZs, but will also raise new challenges to their successful design and implementation. This volume aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role and practice of SEZs in developing countries, in order to better equip policymakers in making effective decisions in planning and implementing SEZ programs. It covers some of the emerging issues and challenges in SEZs – including upgrading, regional integration, WTO compliance, innovation, the environment, and gender issues – with practical case examples from SEZ programs in developing countries.