Special Economic Zones Research Articles

Why Tourist Destinations Are Hard to Survive After Disaster? Case Study of Communication Barrier in the Tanjung Lesung Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Stakeholders

Tanjung Lesung’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ) is a tourist destination developed as a coastal tourism potential in Indonesia. The development of the Tanjung Lesung SEZ experienced challenges when the natural tsunami disaster in 2018 caused the Tanjung Lesung tourism slump. Research on communication between stakeholders is essential to determine how each stakeholder plays his role and coordinates with each other to revive tourism in particular economic areas. This study aims to analyze the problem of communication among tourism area stakeholders. The research uses a case study method with the object being the Tanjung Lesung tourism SEZ. The research subjects are the stakeholders of the tourism area. Data were collected by observation and conducting semi-structured interviews with 17 informants from four types of stakeholders: local governments, private companies, media, and community groups in the buffer zone. The data is also complemented by an academic review of the literature. Data analysis uses analysis with a stakeholder theory approach, which looks at the relationship between stakeholders in realizing common goals in developing particular economic areas for tourism. The results showed communication gaps among stakeholders, with each stakeholder having their strategy for developing tourism. The tourism strategy has not been integrated with all stakeholders due to internal conflicts in the management of the Tanjung Lesung area and its supporting areas. Stakeholders need to communicate regularly and work together to determine the target market so there is no gap between stakeholders in carrying out tourism development strategies after the disaster.

Analysis of Community Readiness for the Mandalika Special Economic Zone: Using the Sapta Pesona Standard

The Mandalika Special Economic Zone is one of the locations selected as a priority destination by the Government of Indonesia. Therefore, this opportunity must be utilized by the surrounding community in order to get the maximum benefit. This study aims to assess the readiness of the community in carrying out tourism-based development. Identify readiness both as a host and as a tourism business actor based on the Sapta Pesona standard. Based on the results of the analysis, it is known that the people around the Mandalika Special Economic Zone are quite ready to take advantage of tourism activities. However, the standard of safety and serenity is still not as expected. Thus, there is still a need for improvement in terms of security and additional green open space to add to the coolness of the Mandalika area.

Interaction between islands and special economic zones: Spatial processes of containment and exclusion

AbstractDespite considerable research into special economic zones (SEZs) and Island Studies, islands and SEZs are rarely considered together. Islands and SEZs are, however, closely associated, in part due to the attractiveness of island characteristics (remoteness, boundedness, isolation) for exclusive economic processes. Many prominent SEZs are located on small islands, and many island economies function similarly to SEZs. Defining SEZs as ‘bounded spaces of economic and regulatory exception’, this paper considers deregulated industrial zones and exclusively branded smart cities and eco‐cities, as well as island SEZs designed for external benefit and for local benefit. The study shows that spatial processes of containment and exclusion are supported by islands and are especially useful for crafting SEZs, which may specialise in industries such as financial services, manufacturing, gaming, port services and high‐end tourism. Nevertheless, SEZ processes often create negative social, economic and environmental impacts. Island SEZs developed for external interest often seek to contain harm within islands or to exclude unfavourable factors, resulting in a spatial mismatch of harms and benefits. Island SEZs developed for local interest struggle to externalise harms, creating problems for island populations. The paper argues for the value of understanding islands and SEZs together, without exceptionalising them.

Preparing fertile ground: how does the quality of business environments affect MSE growth?

We study how the quality of local business environments helps explain growth outcomes of micro- and small enterprise microfinance clients by drawing on long-term nationwide administrative data and a policy shock in Cambodia. The staggered launch of special economic zones, which we link to positive shocks to the business environment on both the demand and supply side, leads to significantly increased employment in micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) located in these special economic zones (SEZs), compared to enterprises in contextually similar districts that are unexposed to an SEZ. Key channels explaining the improved growth outcomes include expanded access to external markets for the enterprises’ goods and services, more dynamic labor environments, and improved credit terms and conditions. To broaden the relevance of our findings, we combine data from prominent empirical studies on microfinance and demonstrate how related business conditions identified in the enterprise growth literature help explain differences in client business outcomes found in their results. Policy implications are that a smaller but influential segment of microfinance borrowers significantly benefit from opportunities provided by improved local business environments and that governments and lenders can play active roles in facilitating the necessary improvements for such MSEs.

Impacts of the Belt and Roads Initiative on Sustainability: Local Approaches to Spatial Restructuring in the Aras Special Economic Zones

Spatial restructuring and regional economic development are closely associated with sustainability. Despite the considerable literature on urbanization’s impact on sustainable economic development and urban expansion, few studies have explored how FDI-led spatial restructuring affects the sustainability from a local people perspective. To fill this gap, in-depth interviews were conducted with 516 residents of Aras special economic zones in Iran to assess the impacts and responses to economic shifts and spatial restructuring resulting from the Belt and Road Initiative since 2013. Using the DPSIR framework and sustainability index as an evaluation tool, we assessed the degree of sustainability and viable uplift at the regional level. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) was also utilized to determine optimal values based on local approaches. Results indicate that regional heterogeneity, excessive state pressure, and development imbalances impact the study area. The findings enrich the theory of sustainability and can guide the formulation of spatial restructuring, decision-making, and policies at different stages of regional development. In addition to financial progress, people-centered development planning using local approaches should be a component of the development of special economic zones.

Affective atmospheres in Macau: from the sublime to the uncanny

This article examines the atmospheric identity of the Chinese city–state of Macau, which has a distinctive urban charisma owing to its 500-year history as a Portuguese colony and its contemporary development into a global tourist site. By analysing visual ethnographic data, the research understands Macau’s urban space with attention to its affective atmospheres. The research explores how visual analysis of urban atmospheres may enhance understanding of a city’s atmospheric identity. The article analyses the sublime and uncanny as two complementary affective fields exemplified by two unconventional locales: the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge and the adjacent Chinese Special Economic Zone of Hengqin Island. The article demonstrates that visual analysis of affective atmospheres can be instrumental in describing how people, emotions, objects and environments are reconstituted in a continuous process of urban change and development.

Exploring the association between the settlement environment and residents’ positive sentiments in urban villages and formal settlements in Shenzhen

The promotion of residents’ positive sentiments is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is limited evidence on the effect of the settlement environment (SE) on sentiment, especially in urban villages (UVs). By combining affective geography and social media data, this study aims to analyze the residents’ sentiments in UVs and formal settlements (FSs) in Shenzhen, while exploring the underlying mechanisms of SE variables that influence the positive sentiment index (PSI). The Weibo text data was analyzed using Natural Language Processing to obtain the PSI. Furthermore, we employed an XGBoost model, Shapley Additive Explanations and Partial Dependence Plots to explore relationships between SE variables and the PSI. We utilized the Interpretative Structural Modeling and Bayesian Network to analyze and verify the interdependencies and probabilistic results. The results revealed that the PSI exhibited spatial heterogeneity, with a trend of medium-high-low from central to suburban areas, and a clustering effect of high and low values. For FSs, we recommend enhancing health and well-being by increasing metro facilities, commercial density and fostering walkable neighborhoods. For UVs, prioritizing micro walk accessibility can improve settlement circulation. Additionally, we identified the potential of marginalized UVs to integrate with e-trade and transform into “special economic zones.”

Роль действующих интеграционных соглашений по экономической линии в Африке

The main regional economic associations of the African continent, which play a key role in the development of production and act as tools that contribute to the introduction of this region into the international trading system, are considered. Special economic zones in Morocco, Ethiopia, Gabon and South Africa will be considered as an example.

Economic and Social Benefits of Communities Around the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

This study attempts to analyze the impact of Indonesian government policies on poverty alleviation through the tourism industry, particularly in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone. This research uses a case study method with a saturation technique in finding Participants. In addition, the authors carried out several stages in the analysis including data reduction, data display, triangulation, and conclusion. Nvivo software is used to analyze this research data. The findings suggest that government-supported tourism has reduced poverty to some extent while also increasing the opportunities, employability skills, and willingness of the poor to participate. However, the centralized development structure creates a gap in what is needed by the surrounding community.

Special Economic Zones and Human Capital Investment: 30 Years of Evidence from China

By exploiting the large quantity and rich variety of special economic zones (SEZs) in China, this study investigates how such zones affect human capital investment. Results show that SEZs significantly increase the local high school enrollment rate, but the impact varies across zone types: technology-oriented zones encourage education, while export-led zones discourage it. The increased job opportunities and wage premiums inside SEZs for employees with high school education increase high school enrollment, while such opportunities and wages for employees with middle school education decrease enrollment. A very small portion of the impact, if any, can be attributed to increased income. (JEL I21, I26, J24, J31, O15, P23, R32)

Research on the balanced geographic allocation of medical facilities in Shenzhen City based on the hierarchical medical system

Abstract Objective: Based on the hierarchical medical system, this study evaluated the accessibility of medical facilities (MFs), analyzed their geographic allocation, and put forward suggestions for the balanced allocation of MFs in Shenzhen. Methods: This study implemented a 2-step floating catchment area method to evaluate the accessibility of MFs. Statistical and spatial analysis methods were used to analyze the spatial characteristics and service equity of accessibility in Shenzhen. Results: The spatial allocation of the accessibility of low-level MFs in Shenzhen was characterized by the emergence of point-like high-accessibility areas in a large low-accessibility area. Here, there is the problem of insufficient service capacity, which limits the implementation of the hierarchical medical system. The spatial characteristics of the accessibility of high-level MFs in Shenzhen included a high degree of agglomeration, large differences inside and outside the original special economic zone, and large areas with weak accessibility. There was a spatial imbalance in the overall accessibility of MFs, wherein individuals with higher incomes typically have better and more equitable accessibility. Conclusions: A balanced geographic allocation of MFs can ensure the implementation of the hierarchical medical system and enhance the equity of medical services. Strategies for balanced geographic allocation of MFs are proposed as follows: comprehensively improving the service capacity and construction standards of community healthcare centers; promoting the construction of primary hospitals and community hospitals in areas with a high population density; establishing additional secondary hospitals and tertiary hospitals in areas with low accessibility to high-level MFs; and encouraging coordinated urban development and MFs construction.

Increasing Community Participation Through Tourism Social Responsibility: Tourism Special Economic Zone in Mandalika

Increasing Community Participation Through Tourism Social Responsibility: Tourism Special Economic Zone in Mandalika

Assessments of Guest Technologies in Five Stars Hotel at Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)

Assessments of Guest Technologies in Five Stars Hotel at Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)

中国护士处方权立法的问题检视与路径优化: 基于《深圳经济特区医疗条例》第65条的分析

The “Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Medical Regulations” has taken the lead in implementing the “nurses’ prescription right” in China, but there are still many regulatory restrictions and problems in the full implementation of nurses’ prescription right in China. The rights and responsibilities of the new doctor-nurse relationship after the prescription right are unclear, and the relevant management institutions and supervision mechanisms are not perfect after the implementation of the nurses’ prescription right legislation. This paper believes that in order to improve the legislation of nurses’ prescription right in the future, it is necessary to reasonably determine the access standards for nurses’ prescription right, clarify the doctor's supervision responsibility for nurses’ prescription right, and improve the supporting guarantee and management mechanism for nurses’ prescription right.

Negotiating meaning and identity through translation in the linguistic landscape in Shantou: Addressing Post-Multilingualism challenges in a postcolonial Chinese city

ABSTRACT As a former treaty port and a current Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in China, Shantou occupies unique position in China’s interaction with colonialism and globalisation. Through an analysis of English translations in the linguistic landscape (LL) in Shantou, it was found that international, local and regional factors work together to shape the city’s LL. Shantou’s resistance to the hegemony of English is encoded in the creative strategies that are adopted in translation, which include transliteration punning, cultural manipulation and hybrid translation. Drawing on the model of English as a lingua franca (ELF), this paper analyses how these strategies reflect the creative, flexible potential of English. These creative strategies can be interpreted as an expression of foreignisation, through which the sign writer consciously deviates from established norms in English to preserve local cultural traits and articulate local identity. Since LL reflects how meaning is negotiated in authentic social settings, incorporating LL projects in the classroom allows language learners and translator trainees to assume an active role in meaning negotiation in their sociolinguistic context. Ultimately, LL projects can empower students to exercise agency in articulating their own culture and constructing their social identity.

Features of Tax Regulation of the IT Industry in the Russian Federation and EAEU states

The article discusses the features of the application by the Russian Federation and the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Republics of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, mechanisms of tax incentives for the development of the domestic IT industry. Tax incentives, a simplified taxation system and the taxation regime in the territory of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ), High-Tech Park (HTP) are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the consideration of the procedure for access and accreditation of companies for the opportunity to work in the territory of the SEZ or HTP with the use of a preferential tax regime. The article concludes that states as a whole apply all tax incentive mechanisms in a complex: tax incentives, a simplified taxation system, SEZ, HTP, however, there are differences in their use, which ultimately affects the level of stimulation of domestic IT industries. Russia uses a selective and differentiated approach, that is why most companies in the field are cut off from the preferential tax regime. The EAEU countries have developed more positive experience in this matter due to the simplification of the registration procedure required to enter the preferential zones, both for domestic and foreign IT companies and the admission to the HTP and SEZ of individuals specialists. The access of foreign companies from friendly countries as residents in the territory of the Russian SEZ will facilitate the introduction of new information technologies and the exchange of experience with domestic companies. The thesis is also substantiated that for a holistic and systematic stimulation of the development of the domestic IT industry, it seems inappropriate to differentiate companies into Software Company (companies specializing in high technologies) and companies not specializing in such technologies. Special attention is drawn to the need to expand the list of types of IT-activities that provide access to domestic companies to the mechanism of preferential taxation. The article notes that the experience of tax incentives for the IT industry in the EAEU countries shows that the approach used makes it possible to unite the majority of domestic companies and specialists — individuals in the territory of a separate free economic zone or HTP, that is beneficial both for the companies themselves and individuals from — for preferential taxation, and to the state, which keeps them records and records of their IT products and discoveries. In the Russian Federation IT companies, unless they are included in the SEZ, are fragmented and more difficult to control in this sense. In general, it is concluded that in Russia it is necessary to ensure the uniform application of tax incentives for the domestic IT industry throughout the territory, which will contribute to its development and growth of competitiveness in the international market.

The Effects of Industrial Park Development on Export Earning, Employment and FDI Attraction: Evidence from Ethiopia

This study examines the effects of industrial parks on export earnings, employment creation, and FDI attraction in Ethiopia. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the constraints and potential to achieve sustained and dynamic results expected from the industrial park development. Despite varying degrees of successes and failures, several countries have utilized industrial park and other types of special economic zones as a policy instrument for fostering economic transformation. Ethiopia is one of the African countries that have adopted industrial park development as a policy tool to enhance its economic growth and transformation. However, the effect of the industrial park policy initiative of the country is not well researched. The analysis of the study reveals that industrial parks in Ethiopia have contributed statistically significant effects on export earnings, employment creation, and FDI attraction with significant levels of p= <.001. The analysis also showed that the top five binding constraints for the effectiveness of the industrial park development are low labor productivity, domestic raw material supply constraints, weak forward and backward linkage, transport cost and logistic constraints, and institutions’ capacity constraints. On the other hand, the availability of a trainable labor force, raw material potential, preferential policies and incentives, the economic growth of the country, and the labor wage rise in China and other emerging countries are identified as the top five potentials and opportunities to achieve sustained and dynamic benefits of industrial park development in Ethiopia.

Развитие системы риск-менеджмента инновационных проектов в рамках интегрированной системы менеджмента сетевых организаций розничной торговли

The article examines the investment attractiveness of the Special Economic Zone «Alabuga». The mechanism of attracting Russian and foreign investments in the development of this special economic zone is considered. The volume, dynamics and structure of investments are analyzed. A comparison of the volume of investments in 2020 and in the conditions of tightened sanctions was carried out. The result of the scientific work were recommendations for the further development of «Alabuga».

A Comparative Analysis of the Japanese Overseas SEZ in Phnom Penh and the Chinese Overseas SEZ in Sihanoukville, Cambodia: from the Perspective of Porter’s Diamond Model

This study focuses on the development and influence of special economic zones (SEZs), examining factors such as enterprise competitiveness, main industries, supply chain relationships, and the development environment of the zones. The lack of a consistent framework for assessing the performance and impact of SEZs has been a challenge in research. To address this, the paper employs Porterʼs Diamond Model to analyze the factors that contribute to the development and influence of SEZs, suggesting that this model can serve as a comprehensive framework for future SEZ research. The existing research on SEZs in developing countries is found to be inadequate. However, the SEZs established in Cambodia through collaborations with China and Japan have played a significant role in the countryʼs rapid economic growth. By examining two specific cases — the Japanese-invested Phnom Penh SEZ and the Chinese-invested Sihanoukville SEZ — this study identifies common operational challenges faced by developing countries in establishing SEZs. Furthermore, by exploring different collaboration models and assessing the impacts on local communities, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and international investors in their decision-making processes.

THE CONFLICT BETWEEN CERTAIN CAPITAL ALLOWANCES IN THE INCOME TAX ACT AND THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES POLICY OBJECTIVES

Through various incentives, special economic zones (SEZs) aim to promote industrial capacity development, create jobs and stimulate the South African economy. However, in practice, misalignment of tax legislation requirements with current practices may undermine the success of the SEZ programme. If property developers are unable to claim capital allowances for expenditure incurred on property developments within an SEZ, this acts as a disincentive to investment, which conflicts with the overarching rationale for the SEZ initiative. This study seeks to determine the extent to which current practices prevent property developers from claiming capital allowances for developments in SEZs, and to propose appropriate remedies. The study presents a doctrinal analysis of the requirements of the SEZ Act and relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act in the context of current practices in SEZ development. The analysis demonstrates that, where the ownership of land designated for SEZ development is retained by government, property developer lessees may be unable to claim capital allowances in respect of expenditure incurred on property developments. This study therefore motivates for the removal of the ownership requirement from building allowance provisions of the Income Tax Act. This would align tax legislation with current practice and the policy objectives of the SEZ programme, as well as address the current inconsistency in the requirements of building allowances.