Economic Zone Research Articles

Study of the dynamics and impact of Special Economic Zones in Lithuania: a comprehensive analysis

Special economic zones (SEZs) have become important mechanisms for stimulating economic development, attracting foreign investment and accelerating industrial growth around the world. Lithuania, located in the Baltic region, strategically uses SEZs to stimulate economic progress and strengthen its positions in the world market. In this paperwork, the analysis of special economic zones of Lithuania will be provided, especially, the aim of creation, evolutionary development and phases, juridical and economic regulation from the government. The deep analysis of SEZ in terms of problems, strengths and weaknesses showed a pathway for adaptation of sustainable development that contributed by deep discussions.

Analisis Hukum Dalam Menyelesaikan Konflik Penanaman Modal Asing di Kawasan Ekonomi Khusus Pulau Rempang Kota Batam

Development is one way to create people's welfare. Therefore, the results of development must be able to be enjoyed by all people as a form of increasing physical and spiritual welfare in a fair and equitable manner. To stimulate economic growth and focus investment policies, the government is aggressively creating Special Economic Zones (KEK) in various regions. It is hoped that people can feel the maximum benefits. Batam City has a strategic location, one of which is Rempang Island which has a lot of potential that can be developed, both in the tourism, economic and social sectors. However, there are misunderstandings between local communities and the government, giving rise to quite serious conflicts due to territorial struggles. So there is a need for efforts to protect the rights of people affected by the clearing of land for investment purposes on Rempang Island, Batam, which can be done with preventive efforts, repressive efforts or prosecution efforts. So this research uses normative juridical research methods, namely focusing on the analysis of doctrine, norms and the application of certain legal principles in dealing with certain legal subjects. With a statutory regulation approach and conceptualization method, it uses technical analysis of legal materials to solve frozen problems.

Isu Etika dalam Pemanfaatan Tenaga Kesehatan Warga Negara Asing di Indonesia: Perspektif Keberlanjutan Pelayanan Kesehatan

The phenomenon of globalization has transformed the world's landscape, connecting nations, and inspiring the concept of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The utilization of Foreign National Health Workers (FHNWs) has become a strategy to address the shortage of medical personnel and enhance healthcare services, particularly in remote regions. However, the implementation of this policy also faces several ethical, cultural, and linguistic challenges. The ethical aspect takes center stage in the utilization of FHNWs. Patient rights, professionalism, and cross-cultural collaboration are crucial focal points in healthcare service practices. Despite its benefits, the utilization of FHNWs encounters communication hurdles, especially when the employed language is unfamiliar. Additionally, the integration of local cultural values becomes a pivotal aspect in delivering sensitive and patient-centered care. This paper analyzes policy documents related to the utilization of Foreign National Health Workers (FHNWs) in Indonesia through normative and predictive approaches. The objective is to comprehend the concepts and regulatory implementations concerning the ethics of FHNW utilization within the context of Indonesian healthcare services. The phenomena of globalization and efforts to expedite economic growth through Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have influenced these policies. The analysis involves various policy documents relevant to FHNW utilization. In facing the ethical dilemmas arising in the practice of healthcare services by foreign medical personnel, it is imperative for them to adapt to the local culture without compromising the principles of medical ethics. Moreover, competition within the job market and cultural disparities between foreign and local medical personnel also present challenges that need to be addressed. In dealing with competition, a holistic approach involving the government, relevant institutions, and professional training for local medical personnel is required. Overall, the utilization of FHNWs holds potential benefits in addressing medical workforce shortages and enhancing healthcare access. However, this utilization must be carried out with ethical responsibility, respecting patient rights, and considering cultural and professional aspects. With a prudent approach, the utilization of FHNWs can contribute to improving the quality of healthcare services and the well-being of local medical personnel, in line with ethical principles and national interests.

Indonesian And Malaysia Sea Defense Strategies In Responding The South China Sea’s Threats

The South China Sea is a source of conflict between China and Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia because China claims the nine-dash lines that pass through the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone and the Malaysian territory. This area has high fishery potential and is the main route for global trade, so the maritime defense strategies of the countries concerned are very crucial. This research method uses qualitative data sources using literature studies. The results of the analysis and discussion show that there are differences between Indonesia's and Malaysia's maritime defense strategies, which are influenced by factors such as the fact that Malaysia is one of the ASEAN countries that claims the South China Sea area. However, Indonesia and Malaysia have similarities by using soft power diplomacy and track-3 multi-track diplomacy in dealing with these threats, one of which is due to the economic cooperation of the both countries with China.

The Role of High-Quality Human Resources in Dung Quat Economic Zone in the Development Process of The Vietnam’s Central Economic Region

A rapid and sustainable economic growth requires three basic factors: the adoption of new technologies, the development of modern infrastructure facilities, and the enhancement of human resources quality. The process of developing human resources involves transforming the quantity, quality, and structure of the workforce to better meet the demands of the economy. In the process of promoting industrialization and modernization, human resources play a decisive role, especially high-quality human resources. This is also an critical factor for the development of the productive force and economic growth rate of a country. Within the scope of this article, the author focuses on analyzing the role of high-quality human resources in the development of the Dung Quat Economic Zone (EZ) in the central economic region of Vietnam.

Murky Waters: Controlling the Ocean Transit of Floating Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract States are increasingly turning to novel solutions to achieve their energy goals. In response, floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) have emerged as a potential solution to meet the energy demands of remote and coastal areas. “Build Own Operate” programs have thus been proposed as turnkey commercial endeavors in which supplier States rent FNPP power generation to foreign host States. Given the inherent risks that FNPPs pose, a Build Own Operate plant travelling from supplier nation to host nation jeopardizes the marine environment of innocent coastal States. These transit States currently exist in international law limbo, where the lack of a coherent FNPP definition and limited control over their territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) render them powerless in the face of potential environmental disasters. This article proposes enhanced international law protections for the transit States that might see FNPPs travelling through their waters in the coming years. In examining challenges to transit States, the article accomplishes two objectives. First, an international law definition for FNPPs is established. Second, it is proposed that FNPPs should be barred from non-consensual travel through the territorial sea of transit States, and that major restrictions should be placed on their movement through the EEZ.

Rethinking Just Transition in Investment Law Perspective: Incentives against Climate Crisis between Sustainability, Economic Security, and Strategic Industrial Planning

With the expression “Just transition”, the European Commission refers to a new development model to bring in the environmental and digital transition “leaving no one behind”. From an investment law perspective, it implies the adoption of several incentives to support new green economy activities or the reconversion of old ones into green and energy-neutral production models. Starting from an analysis of the EU just transition strategy, the paper focuses on the Italian case, investigating the interconnection between just transition funds and other measures (the Single Special Economic Zone and National Recovery and Resilience Program) to verify their effectiveness in terms of investment retention and attraction and their effects in terms of strategic industrial planning. Concerning retention, the Sider Alloys and Acciaierie d’Italia case studies are analyzed. Concerning attraction, as the incentives may appeal to aggressive activities dangerous to the EU and Member States’ strategic autonomy, the paper offers an overview of the instruments available for screening and preventing creeping economic operations, especially the proposed reform of the investment screening mechanism and the anti-coercion instrument. In conclusion, the paper proposes the adoption of an ex ante impact assessment, including citizen consultation, aimed at verifying investment concrete capacity to contribute to the just transition process.

Measurement and characteristics of high-quality development level of innovation and entrepreneurship based on EM-AHP-TOPSIS

By constructing an evaluation system for the high-quality development of innovation and entrepreneurship, an evaluation index system was established in this study from five aspects: the background, process, input, output, and transformation of innovation and entrepreneurship, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy method (EM) were adopted to perform combination weighting. Then, the core of each subsystem and the comprehensive score were calculated based on the TOPSIS method, the high-quality development level of urban innovation and entrepreneurship in 19 vice-ministerial cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu in China was measured, and the innovation and entrepreneurship development level and structural characteristics were analyzed from five aspects. The results show that Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, and Guangzhou take the lead in the high-quality development of innovation and entrepreneurship, while Xi’an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Qingdao, Jinan, and Ningbo are in the medium level. Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin, Xiamen, and Changchun perform poorly in the development of innovation and entrepreneurship with problems of interregional large gradient difference in capacity and unbalanced development, which provides an important reference for understanding the current situation, advantages, and disadvantages of innovation and entrepreneurship education development in various economic zones.

Black Sea Eutrophication Comparative Analysis of Intensity between Coastal and Offshore Waters

Eutrophication, driven by excessive nutrient enrichment from sources like agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urbanisation, has severely impacted the Black Sea since the 1980s. This study aimed to assess eutrophication dynamics in the Romanian Exclusive Economic Zone from 2020 to 2022 using the Black Sea Eutrophication Assessment Tool (BEAST), an integrated approach to the causes and effects of eutrophication. Data were collected from 68 stations during five oceanographic expeditions, analysing 617 water samples for nutrients, chlorophyll a, zooplankton species Noctiluca scintillans, and dissolved oxygen. Additionally, 179 zoobenthic and 251 phytobenthic community samples were collected. The results indicate that coastal waters exhibit higher nutrient levels and algal blooms compared to offshore waters, necessitating significant reductions in nutrient concentrations to achieve good environmental status. In transitional waters, within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, a 55% reduction in inorganic phosphorus and a 43% reduction in inorganic nitrogen concentrations are required, while coastal waters need reductions of 38% and 37%, respectively. The study highlights the need for improved wastewater treatment, stricter agricultural runoff controls, and continuous monitoring. Effective ecosystem-based management strategies, integrated coastal zone management, and international cooperation are essential to mitigate eutrophication and promote the long-term health of the Black Sea ecosystem.

South-South Investments: Driver for Alternative Globalization? Examining China-Led Special Economic Zones in Brazil and South Africa

The formation of BRICS marks a significant aspect of 21st-century globalization. This has spurred optimism in the Global South about offering an alternative to Western dominance. China has aimed to expand its global presence and influence, framing its relations as ‘South-South Cooperation’. Brazil and South Africa are crucial partners within BRICS, receiving significant Chinese investment, loans, and assistance. In this article, we critically examine South-South investments through a comparative analysis of Chinese investments in South Africa and Brazil, focusing on the case studies of the Manaus Industrial Park and the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone. Our research employs ethnographic fieldwork and secondary sources to analyze Chinese investments and their socio-environmental impact. We begin with a discussion of globalization and current trends of deglobalization by proposing three dimensions to analyze the role of BRICS. While Chinese investment could offer an alternative to Western financing, a more balanced South-South agenda is needed. Both Brazilian and South African state and non-state actors must advocate for better conditions to avoid repeating patterns of resource exploitation and subordination. This shifts the debate beyond traditional dichotomies. Ultimately, embracing South-South FDI and Cooperation must be accompanied by critical analysis to ensure a truly transformative agenda for the Global South.

Sustainable Employment Creation through the Polish Investment Zone in Lagging Regions

The article aims to identify the firm-level effects of public support within the Polish Investment Zone (PIZ) on firms’ employment located in lagging regions of Poland, signalling insights into sustainable employment creation. Utilising a difference-in-differences framework and accounting for controls, including the firms’ size, age, leverage, other public aid programmes, subsidies, and firm-level fixed effects, our objective is to ascertain the average treatment effects (ATEs) of the programme, particularly concerning the creation of additional workplaces. To ensure the reliability of our findings, we conducted robustness checks utilising alternative econometric approaches and scrutinise changes in the duration of both the pre- and post-treatment periods. No significant ATEs were observed in the year of the treatment or in one to three years following treatment. This outcome remains robust to variations in the econometric approach, the set of variables considered, and alterations in the length of both pre- and post-treatment periods. This article contributes to an ongoing discussion marked by a lack of consensus regarding the effectiveness of special economic zones in fostering sustainable employment and reducing unemployment rates by presenting the effects of the PIZ and directing policy attention towards more qualitative aspects of created workplaces, fostering sustainable employment.

Special economic zones of industrial and production type: Main trends and directions of development (the SEZ "Togliatti" case study)

Subject. The article investigates the impact of industrial-type special economic zones on the development of the region. Objectives. The purpose of the study was to conduct a statistical analysis of the main indicators of the activity of industrial and production special economic zones, identify benefits for their residents. Methods. I employed methods of comparative and dynamic analysis, multivariate nonparametric analysis. Results. The study examines conditions for the functioning of special economic zones. The paper presents a rating of industrial and production special economic zones based on integral assessment of their performance efficiency, which I proposed. According to the rating, the special economic zone "Togliatti" is among Top 5. Its main directions of development include attracting new residents, developing infrastructure, improving investment appeal. To implement the latter direction, the experience of establishing tax rates and rental benefits for residents of special economic zones, occupying higher positions in the compiled rating, can be applied. Conclusions. Special economic zones form the basis for successful socio-economic regional development. The Samara region has significant potential for economic growth in the special economic zone.

SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES: BASIC PREFERENCES AND LEGAL REGULATION

The article is dedicated to the definition of the peculiarities of legal regulation of creation and functioning of special economic zones on the territory of Ukraine. The main preferences have been characterized, which are provided to ensure the liberalized regime of such zones. The classification of preferences has been carried out in accordance with the nature, grounds and consequences of the implementation. It has been classified: the fiscal and organizational; the political and economic preferences; the preferences for foreign and domestic investors; as well as the preferences based on domestic legislation and/or on the norms of the international agreements. The relevance of the research subject is due to the need to form an updated concept of legislative regulation of the regimes of special economic zones in Ukraine. The methodological basis of the research is formed by general scientific and special legal methods of scientific knowledge (dialectical, analysis and synthesis, scientific abstraction, forecasting). The article is aimed at formulating the basic scientific principles for updating the normative regulation and practical application of the preferential regime of special economic zones in Ukraine in the post-war period, determining the essence and characteristics of the main privileges and simplifications used in them. The task of the article is the developing proposals for the formation of a theoretically-applied basis for updating the current legislation of Ukraine on special economic zones and improving the legal regulation of their regimes. The article has characterized and analyzed the norms of laws and by-laws acts, aimed at regulating relations in the sphere of functioning of special economic zones in Ukraine, their insufficient character has been noted. The levels of such legal regulation have been defined: the national and local. It has been proposed to update the regulatory basis of the special economic zone in the Danube region, due to its significant importance and growth in 2022-2024.

Economic Feasibility Analysis of Investment in International Circuit Development in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

The Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been planned from the start to build facilities and infrastructure by creating a management concept set out in the main plan for the area with the theme of eco green tourism. One of the developments that has been developed in the Mandalika SEZ is the Mandalika International Circuit. The construction of the Mandalika Circuit certainly provides many positive aspects, especially in the local economic sector. The impact of Covid-19 in the Mandalika SEZ could trigger a decline in the tourist market. The circuit as a symbol of the Mandalika SEZ was also affected by Covid-19, this resulted in a reduction in visitors to events at the Mandalika International Circuit. So an in-depth analysis is needed regarding the changes that have occurred as a result of Covid-19, especially in the financial aspect. For feasibility from the financial aspect, cash flow calculations are used with investment feasibility parameters, namely; NPV (Net Present Value), BCR (Benefit Cost Ratio), IRR (Internal Rate of Return), and PP (Payback Period). From the analysis of the financial aspects, the NVP value was obtained with an interest rate of 8.75% per year, in the initial planning phase the value was obtained at IDR 202,628,841,832,- in 2035, then during the operational phase the NVP result was IDR 14,497,533,652,- in 2041, and the NPV multiplier effect is IDR 552,401,765,515 in 2041. The BCR value in the initial planning phase is 1.112 in 2035. During the operational phase the BCR value is 1.008 and in the phase due to the impact of the multiplier effect it is obtained The BCR value is 1.304 in 2041. The IRR value in the initial planning phase was 13.96% in 2035. In the operational phase the IRR was 12.56% and the IRR due to the impact of the multiplier effect was 14.43% in 2041 . The PP value for the initial planning phase is obtained over 8 years. Meanwhile, in the operational phase, PP was obtained for 11 years and PP due to the impact of the multiplier effect was obtained for 9 years. The Mandalika International Circuit project was declared feasible based on analysis data that had been carried out in the operational phase and due to the impact of the multiplier effect, even though it took longer than the initial planning phase.

Systematic planning shows more than half of the most species-rich ocean region is needed to include all species in representative protected areas

The Convention on Biological Diversity Target 3 aims for at least 30 % of each marine habitat to be protected by 2030. How much biodiversity will be protected depends on where this 30 % is located. The West Pacific region, having the richest marine biodiversity on Earth, is especially important for nature conservation. Here, using multiple data-driven measures of the breadth biodiversity, from species to ecosystems from the sea surface to seabed, at a spatial resolution of 0.5° (∼55 km latitude), we mapped the optimal “Representative Biodiversity Areas” (RBA) for West Pacific countries using decision support software. The measures included surface and near seabed Ecosystems, which were mapped by physical, biochemical and nutrient variables relevant to ecological functioning. Species richness, seagrass, kelp, mangrove, and shallow water coral reef biomes (biological habitats at a local scale) and seabed topographic variation (as rugosity) were also included as complementary measures to maximise representivity of biodiversity overall. The 30 % RBA generally covered 30 % of the Ecosystems, over 77 % of the Biomes of seagrass, kelp, mangrove, and shallow water corals, and 60 % of physical habitat heterogeneity (topography) and the most species rich areas. Because protecting only these four biomes was not sufficient to include all species, physical habitat heterogeneity and ecosystems should be included in conservation prioritisation because they extend offshore and to all depths. To cover the distributions of 80 % species in the region, at least 53 % of the total area should be under protection. Only 25 % of the RBA were in MPAs, and < 1 % in no-take MPAs. Three countries, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, occupied almost half (47 %) of the RBA, and 11 countries had more than 30 % of their Exclusive Economic Zones in the RBA. Opportunities exist to expand and merge existing MPA, increase levels of protection, and having MPA in areas of disputed or shared governance, including 5 % of RBA being in the study area’s High Seas. Consideration of the geographically uneven distribution of biodiversity is thus necessary in achieving the 30 % by 2030 target. Systematic conservation planning, as shown here, can lead to at least twice as much biodiversity being protected per area. That at least half of the West Pacific Ocean in MPA may be necessary to protect all marine biodiversity, indicates how critical it is to use resources outside MPA in an ecologically sustainable way.

The Multi-Level Governance Dilemma in Mandalika Special Economic Zone: A Bargaining and Cooperation Approach

The Multi-Level Governance Dilemma in Mandalika Special Economic Zone: A Bargaining and Cooperation Approach

Evaluation and optimization of mariculture ecological efficiency under technological heterogeneity — New evidence from China's coastal regions

This paper combines the meta-frontier analysis framework with the SBM-DEA model based on undesirable outputs to thoroughly reveal the mechanism of ecological efficiency differences in China's mariculture. This paper accurately identifies the weak links in ecological efficiency in various regions, thereby achieving a precise evaluation of mariculture ecological efficiency within the framework of technological heterogeneity. The results indicate that under the meta-frontier, the annual average ecological efficiency of mariculture in coastal areas of China during the sample period is 0.586, with a 41.4 % efficiency improvement space. However, under the group frontier, the annual average ecological efficiency is 0.783. The MEI in the BR economic zone and the YRD economic zone respectively stem from MI and TI, whereas in the PRD economic zone, the difference in the proportions of management inefficiency and technological inefficiency is not significant. Finally, this paper proposes four types of improvement paths.

Unraveling agricultural water pollution despite an ecological policy in the Ayeyarwady Basin

BackgroundThe Ayeyarwady Basin in Myanmar, a critical economic zone, faces severe ecological degradation due to unsustainable agricultural practices. These practices pose significant threats to human health and marine biodiversity. Environmental threats persist despite the Myanmar government’s efforts to implement biodiversity protection policies. This research explores the limited compliance with environmental protection policies among farmers in the Ayeyarwady Basin and its implications for sustainable agricultural practices and ecological conservation.MethodsThis research employs an exploratory phenomenological approach, utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews with government officials and farmers (N = 30). The data collected were subjected to thematic analysis using Atlas 23.ResultsPreliminary findings reveal a gap in farmers’ awareness and understanding of these policies, hindered by insufficient financing, poor communication infrastructure, and uncoordinated policy monitoring. These factors and existing unrest contribute to a top-down policy approach that neglects frontline stakeholders. The study suggests the need for clear stakeholder roles, adequate policy financing, and diverse communication strategies to effectively implement environmental policies and protect human and marine life.ConclusionsEnvironmental policy shortcomings in Myanmar are attributable to governmental oversight and insufficient stakeholder engagement. To mitigate pollution and safeguard river basin ecosystems, the government must delineate stakeholder responsibilities, allocate appropriate policy funding, and adopt varied communication approaches with farmers.Graphical

Questioning the Readiness of Local Residents in Managing Community-Based Tourism? A Case in Pulisan Village, North Minahasa Regency, Indonesia

Community based tourism is a tourism management concept where the local community as the owner of tourism potential, is involved in tourism management. It requires a strong commitment from the community to be directly involved in it. Pulisan is the name of the village in Likupang which is the centre of the development of the Special Economic Zone for tourism. In the last five years it has received tourism development assistance ranging from physical infrastructure to hospitality skills training. However, from several observations in the field, it was found that the reactivity of the community in implementing the various benefits that had been distributed to the community was in-effective. The purpose of this study is to examine the readiness of local communities in managing community-based tourism. Descriptive research is the approach to solve this case. Then the data collection technique through a survey of 81 respondents who live in that village. While the analytical tool used is a Likert scale. The results found that for the three main indicators, namely attractions, amenity and accessibility, the average respondent's answer was willing, while for the supporting components, respondents were still undecided.

Product marketing mode of economic zone by genetic algorithm in economic chaos combination prediction

With the development of the social economy, people continue to innovate in marketing. The most important difference between product marketing and traditional marketing is that it transcends the boundaries of time and space. Due to the development of modern network technology, the product marketing model can operate efficiently and easily, increasing people’s purchasing power in time and space. This paper is a research on the economic zone product marketing model based on a genetic algorithm in predicting the economic chaos combination. It introduces in detail the research method of combining the prediction of economic chaotic combination with a standard genetic algorithm. It also specifically analyzes the impact of three marketing models: a complete online marketing model, an online and offline marketing model, and the introduction of a third-party implanted joint marketing model on the impact of product sales in the economic zone. The research results show that, compared with the first two marketing models, after the introduction of the third-party implanted joint marketing method, the sales of product A are better. Among them, the luxury goods of group c achieved the highest sales volume of 952 in November, while the daily necessities achieved the sales volume of 1607 in December.