A Research on the Enhancement of the Hosting of Foreign Direct Investment in Korea’s Free Trade Zones

Abstract

Purpose : The aim of this study is to suggest some ways to enhance the hosting of foreign direct investment(FDI) in Korea’s seven Free Trade Zones(FTZ). Research methodology : Comparative studies are applied to Korea’s three Special Economic Zones(SEZ) of FTZ, Free Economic Zones(FEZ) and Foreign Investment Zones(FIZ) to examine the performances of the Korea’s FTZ and efficacies of the present policies for the attraction of FDI in the Zones.. Results : No differentials are found between the three SEZ regarding the performances of FDI. The Zones in the Capital metropolitan areas show much greater scores for FDI than the Zones situated in the rural areas. Conclusions : Market forces play dominant roles in the flow of the FDI in the Zones. The Korea’s FTZ and FEZ are public funded SEZ for FDI. To address the intended FDI targets, more aggressive policy tools such as Advanced Enterprise Policies, Regional Strategic Industrial Policies and Trade Promotion Policies including trade credit and insurance schemes. Invest Korea’s more active role are desired to host FDI in FTZ.