The impact of export processing zones on employment, wages and labour conditions in developing countries

Author(s):  
Xavier Cirera ◽  
◽  
Rajith Lakshman ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 1150-1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Quaicoe ◽  
Anthony Q.Q. Aboagye ◽  
Godfred A. Bokpin

1997 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Teresa Romero

For many developing countries export processing zones (EPZs) are vital investment-promotion strategies. Even though most African EPZs have not attracted much investment, interest in developing them continues to grow. Over the years EPZs have acquired a bad image because of widespread reports of violations of national and international labour standards. The experiences of countries in other regions show that labour problems arise from an underestimation of the need to address the labour-related aspects of activities in EPZs, the non-observance of national labour standards, lack of social dialogue and weak supervisory institutions. There are signs that the conditions that have led to labour problems in other regions are being replicated in Africa, causing tensions in certain zones. The article argues that on-going efforts in different regions to deal with these problems hold useful lessons for EPZ host countries in Africa.


2003 ◽  
Vol 42 (4II) ◽  
pp. 927-940
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hanif Akhtar

The literature on EPZs shows that these are a second-best solution compared with generalised countrywide reforms, but that, where countrywide reforms are difficult to implement, they can be a useful weapon in the development arsenal [World Bank (2001)]. EPZs have been instrumental not only in increasing exports but also attracting export-oriented foreign direct investment (FDI). China is a classic example to be mentioned here where the levels of FDI have gone up massively over the last ten years. Added up with exports increase are also the benefits of employment generation, development of backward and forward linkages and strengthening the industrial base. The phenomenon of export-processing zones (EPZs) is a part of broader context of structural changes in global economic development. During the last few decades, there has been a tremendous increase in exports of manufactured goods especially from developing countries. EPZs have emerged as an important channel of export generation, especially of manufactured goods, from most of the developing countries e.g. East Asia, Mexico, Morocco etc. Their significance cannot be undermined because of the location-specific advantages and infrastructure facilities possessed by them.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-172
Author(s):  
Deinibiteim Monimah Harry

Abstract The study examined the value addition in the Nigeria’s export processing zones, comparing it with the experiences from Asian economies. Upon the recommendation of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Nigeria adopted the EPZ scheme via Decree No 63 of 1992 to accelerate industrialization through increasing manufacturing for exports, among others. The Calabar Free Trade Zone was established as the pioneer zone in the country. The objective of this research work is to determine the extent of Value Addition at the zones in Nigeria. As at 2008, 25 zones have registered with NEPZA, the regulatory authority in the country. Out of the 25 registered zones, 11are operational, 9 under construction and 5 merely declared. Four (4) zones, namely, Calabar, Oil and Gas and Snake Island Integrated Free Trade Zones and Alscon Export Processing zone, were systematically selected from the 11 operational zones for the study. Two hundred and ninety copies of questionnaire were administered on 290 respondents drawn from 54 firms and 4 zonal management boards. Out of the 290 copies of questionnaire 242 copies were properly filled and returned. The 242 copies of questionnaire returned served as the primary source of data, while textbooks, journals, fasimiles, etc served as the secondary sources of data. The paper argued that for EPZs to help in the industrialization of a nation value addition and production segmentation must be made central to the manufacturing/ production processes; because the higher the level of value addition the greater the impact/contribution of EPZs to socio-economic development. The study revealed that the level of value addition in the Nigerian zones is very low, only labour element of value addition is visible, technology and material elements were absent. Hence, the paper recommends that value addition should be made compulsory in the production processes at the zones and emphasis should be on the technology and material elements. This, it is believed would enhance backward linkages with the domestic economy.


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