Does China’s CAFTA strategy threaten or promote the development of high-tech industries in ASEAN countries?

Abstract

ABSTRACTWith the continuous advancement of the CAFTA strategy, the relationship between China and ASEAN countries have gradually strengthened, and the trade exchanges between the two sides have developed rapidly, thereby promoting the economic growth of ASEAN countries in the region. This paper uses differences-in-differences method and HS-6 customs statistical code to study the development of China-ASEAN high-tech industries from 1998 to 2017. It turns out that the establishment of the CAFTA has played a positive role in promoting the development of high-tech industries in ASEAN countries. The specific performance is that China and ASEAN countries have closer trade exchanges, and the trade in computer communication technology and electronic technology has become the fastest developing foreign trade sector. In addition, it is found that low economic level and low education level countries will be affected more significantly by the establishment of CAFTA.