Supporting participation of Asia-Pacific SMEs in global value chains

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masato Abe ◽  
Marc Proksch
Keyword(s):  
Regional Integration ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Global Value Chains ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Policy Options ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Investment Promotion ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Effective Development

Purpose Global value chains (GVCs) have become increasingly influential in determining the patterns of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) and in providing growth opportunities in Asia and the Pacific while small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been an engine of economic development. The purpose of this paper is to provide effective development strategies and relevant policy approaches to facilitate dynamic insertion of SMEs into GVCs. Design/methodology/approach This paper was developed based on various Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific works in the fields of the development of SMEs and GVCs in Asia and the Pacific. Sectoral case studies on agribusiness, garment/apparel, automotive and electronics illustrate SMEs’ effective integration into GVCs. Findings SMEs face multiple obstacles and challenges which may limit the benefits derived from the development of GVCs in Asia and the Pacific. Policymakers are suggested to design and implement appropriate strategies and polices in order to facilitate the development of SMEs under the ongoing globalization. Research limitations/implications This paper is mainly based on existing policy papers which were developed by the United Nations Secretariat, its specialized agencies and others. Further empirical and policy studies are expected to be conducted in order to deepen the understanding of the present topics and to come up with practical policy options. Practical implications Policymakers are suggested to consider strategies and policy options recommended by this paper for their works on SME development and trade and investment promotion. Originality/value This is the first policy paper which proposes a comprehensive framework for SMEs’ effective participation in GVCs, specifically suggesting seven approaches, namely, SME development; trade policy; behind-the-border and cross-border trade facilitation; regional integration frameworks; FDI promotion; SME clusters; and national innovation system.

Global value chains and liberalization of trade in services

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-55
Author(s):  
Hikari Ishido
Keyword(s):  
Global Value Chains ◽  
Policy Coordination ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Service Trade ◽  
Trade In Services ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the importance of establishing global value chains (GVCs) through the liberalization of trade in services, with the Republic of Korea comprising part of these value chains. Design/methodology/approach The construction of a database has revealed rather disconnected policy arrangements across Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members in terms of service trade liberalization. Findings Although the economic benefits arising from harmonized and liberalized policies across APEC members are widely recognized in the business sector, the relevant policy coordination seems to be missing. Research limitations/implications With this status quo in mind, APEC could work on establishing its own harmonized “service trade commitment table” centering on simple foreign capital participation criteria. This would surely contribute to forming an APEC-wide GVC surrounding Korea, which actively aims to expand its economic ties in the Asia-Pacific region. Originality/value The comparison of WTO-based and free trade agreement-based service trade commitments by APEC members (including Korea) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations ten members is an original research area, with many policy implications for Korea in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Asian investments target large Latin American markets

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Latin American ◽  
High Technology ◽  
Global Value Chains ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Automated Manufacturing ◽  
Investment Climate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Technology Investment

Significance Major Japanese and South Korean conglomerates are driving adoption of automated manufacturing, digitalisation of supply chains and other technologies critical to the region’s competitiveness. However, the pandemic forced many investors, especially mid-sized firms, to refocus on Asian markets. Increasingly, Latin America’s investment climate will be shaped by growing US-China rivalries. Impacts Investment from Japanese and Korean companies is critical for the region’s competitiveness in increasingly digitalised global value chains. Smaller economies risk missing out on the benefits of high-technology investment from Japan and Korea, concentrated in Brazil and Mexico. US efforts to try to decouple global value chains from China have sparked interest in investing in the region, but to date lack substance.

Disappearing natural resources: what flowers tell us about new value chains

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Carton ◽  
Julia Parigot
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Natural Resource ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Global Value Chains ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Resource Exploitation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Natural Resource Exploitation ◽  
Natural Resource Depletion

Purpose This paper aims to question the capacity of firms embedded in global value chains to manage their natural resources in a sustainable way. Thus, it offers guidelines for more sustainable value chains. Design/methodology/approach While business strategies have focused on optimizing natural resource exploitation and on constructing global value chains to face sustainability issues, this study first explains why these strategies are not effective in preventing natural resource depletion. Second, it offers a model for anticipating resource depletion. The cut flower industry constitutes a central case to explain the model. Two other industry cases complement the demonstration. Findings To anticipate natural resource depletion and thus improve industry sustainability, firms must shift from the exploitation of endangered natural resources to the use of alternative local ones. This shift, however, encourages firms to reconstruct value chains and rethink how they create value within these new value chains. It also has an impact on firms’ growth strategy: they must replicate value chains on a local scale instead of taking part in global value chains. Research limitations/implications The findings rely on illustrations from the cut flower, fishing and textile fiber industries. Generalization to other industries may strengthen the argument. Originality/value This study offers a model of sustainable growth for firms willing to anticipate natural resource depletion by offering a shift in value chains. It consists of exploiting alternative natural resources and of rethinking the value offered to consumers. Thus, it goes against current models that merely focus on optimizing natural resource exploitation within global value chains.

Trade will not drive Latin America recovery this year

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Regional Integration ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
The Other ◽  
Economic Recovery ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Economic Nationalism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Skills

Significance These include a reorganisation of global value chains, an increase in intraregional trade in the other regions and a resurgence of economic nationalism. The report urges increased regional integration as the key to a sustainable and inclusive post-pandemic economic recovery. Impacts Despite higher commodity prices, LAC’s exports are unlikely to recover their pre-pandemic level before 2022. Digital skills will become increasingly more important for LAC’s growth and how its benefits are distributed. The pandemic’s impact on tourism and the hospitality industry suggests a disproportionate effect on women’s employment.

Refining of FDI motivations by integrating global value chains’ considerations

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axèle Giroud ◽  
Hafiz Mirza
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Global Value Chains ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Investment Motivations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how the nature of the activities conducted by multinational enterprises globally and the governance modes are changing. Essentially, multinational enterprises (MNEs) structure and organize their activities in a more complex, fragmented and geographically dispersed manner. In this paper, the authors suggest that the evolution of MNEs and the rising importance of global value chains (GVCs) require a refinement of FDI motivations rather than a drastic change in the existing categories. The authors begin with a historical overview of evolving firms’ international strategies and FDI motivations, before developing arguments to support the view that the fine slicing of economic activities on a global scale, and the combination of governance modalities ought to be integrated into the presentation of investment motivations. The discussion ends with implications for governments and policymaking. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a conceptual paper. Findings – Key suggestions to refine the presentation of investment motivations are presented, together with policy recommendations. Originality/value – This paper provides a novel approach to ways of refining investment motivations by integrating GVC considerations, and drawing policy implications from this process.

Financing small and medium enterprises in Asia and the Pacific

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masato Abe ◽  
Michael Troilo ◽  
Orgil Batsaikhan
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
South Asia ◽  
World Bank ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Severe Constraint ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose policy suggestions for the financing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent literature suggests that lack of capital is the most severe constraint for SME survival and growth. Enabling policymakers to assist SMEs in their search for financing will boost economic growth. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology includes both quantitative and qualitative components. Current World Bank data on the strength of various financial institutions in the countries of interest is analyzed to discover areas of improvement. Additionally, 32 experts from East and South Asia were interviewed several times to determine areas of concern in financing SMEs. Their responses and the evidence from the World Bank data form the basis of the policy prescriptions in the paper. Findings – Financing is a critical constraint for SMEs for several reasons. Many SME owners do not manage working capital effectively, information asymmetry between banks and SMEs retards the loan application and approval process, and underdeveloped equity markets deny SMEs future growth opportunities. Policymakers can ameliorate conditions by serving as facilitators and communicators; governments should not provide financing directly if possible. Practical implications – It is hoped and expected that the policy prescriptions offered herein will enhance the growth and survival prospects of SMES, thereby creating more employment, innovation, and economic growth. Originality/value – The main contribution of this work is its scope. While the financing of SMEs is a familiar topic, the review of issues and policies in East and South Asia, and their distillation into practical advice for officialdom, is what makes this manuscript unique.

Huawei dispute risks escalating reprisals from China

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
East Asia ◽  
North American ◽  
Global Value Chains ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Business Climate ◽  
Chinese Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Lower Wage

Significance The development raises the prospect of retaliation against North American companies from Beijing, which is already incensed by US tariffs and restrictions on technology exports and investment. This fear is reinforced by the recent arrest in China of two Canadians and an Australian. Impacts Lower-wage countries have an incentive to streamline their domestic business climate, but reforms will be slow. Chinese firms will increase their investment in fast-growing South and South-east Asia. This will accelerate the trend towards fewer global value chains and more regional ones.

scholarly journals Investigating ASEAN’s Participation in Global Value Chains: Production Fragmentation and Regional Integration

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (02) ◽  
pp. 159-188
Author(s):  
SHENG ZHONG ◽  
BIN SU
Keyword(s):  
Economic Integration ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Regional Integration ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Global Value Chains ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Advanced Economies ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
Do So

This paper focuses on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—a major final assembler in production—where studies and evidence on the role of the region in global value chains are limited. We seek to provide new evidence regarding the extent and patterns of international fragmentation in ASEAN. To do so, we derive the foreign value-added shares of final products for all global value chains of ASEAN. Using the Asian Development Bank’s multiregional input–output tables for 2000–2017, we document a series of stylized facts. The results show declining foreign value-added shares in ASEAN. Regional economic integration within ASEAN has increased, while value-added contributions vary widely across its members. We find evidence of increasing value-added contributions from emerging economies to ASEAN, whereas the contributions from advanced economies have declined.

Manufacturing and value-added dynamics in global value chains: the case of Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-470
Author(s):  
Chiara Burlina ◽  
Eleonora Di Maria
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Global Value Chains ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Trade In Value Added ◽  
Revealed Comparative Advantage Index ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Made In

Purpose This paper aims to provide a snapshot of various countries’ contributions to value produced along global value chains (GVCs). It focusses on manufacturing activities and their evolution over time, in the context of GVC regionalisation. Design/methodology/approach The Trade in Value Added (TiVA) and World Integrated Trade Solution databases for the period of 2005-2015 were used to explore the case of Italy and its industries’ specialisations (Made in Italy): fashion, furniture, automotive and machinery traditionally organised into clusters. Various analyses were used to show the dynamics of gross import–export and imported–exported value-added. Moreover, the revealed comparative advantage index was computed to test whether the Made in Italy sector remains a source of competitive advantage for Italy within GVCs. Findings The results highlight how the geography of value-added is changing over time, with growing importance placed on the countries close to Italy and with a different pace according to each considered GVC. Originality/value The paper applied new methods to compare trade and analyse value-added dynamics through a recent database released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development within the TiVA initiative that is useful for scholars and policymakers.

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