Special Economic Zones in South Asia: Structural Change, Competitiveness, and Growth- A Book Summary

Aggarwal, Aradhna (2024): Special Economic Zones in South Asia: Structural Change, Competitiveness, and Growth- A Book Summary.

Abstract

This article provides a summary of the recently published book, Special Economic Zones in South Asia: Structural Change, Competitiveness, and Growth (Routledge: London). This book represents the first comprehensive effort to systematically examine the rationale, objectives, design, and outcomes of SEZ policies with a focus on their role in structural change, growth and competitiveness in South Asia. The analysis is based on a mixed-methods approach. One of the highlights of this study is its use of a counterfactual approach at the firm level to evaluate SEZ outcomes, offering an evidence-based assessment of the policy. Through its insights, the book provides valuable lessons and actionable guidance for policymakers and practitioners working with SEZ frameworks.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Special economic zones; growth; structural change; competitiveness; South Asia; policy evaluation; investment climate; technology and innovation; knowledge linkages; global value chains; sustainable development
• Subjects: C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C31 - Cross-Sectional Models ; Spatial Models ; Treatment Effect Models ; Quantile Regressions ; Social Interaction Models; F - International Economics > F1 - Trade > F13 - Trade Policy ; International Trade Organizations; F - International Economics > F2 - International Factor Movements and International Business > F23 - Multinational Firms ; International Business; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J5 - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining > J53 - Labor-Management Relations ; Industrial Jurisprudence; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights > O32 - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity > O43 - Institutions and Growth; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O5 - Economywide Country Studies > O53 - Asia including Middle East; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q0 - General > Q01 - Sustainable Development; R - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics > R1 - General Regional Economics > R11 - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes; R - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics > R5 - Regional Government Analysis > R58 - Regional Development Planning and Policy

References

Aggarwal Aradhna 2024. “Special Economic Zones in South Asia: Structural Change, Competitiveness and Growth, Routledge Studies in Development Economics.” Routledge: London, New York ( pp: 342)