Competitiveness of economic zones and industrial zones: A comparative study between Vietnam and ASEAN countries
Competitiveness plays a crucial role in attracting investors and supporting them to operate effectively when investing in economic zones and industrial zones (EZs, IZs). This study is conducted to compare the competitiveness of EZs and IZs in Vietnam to those in other ASEAN countries. This points out the strengths that need to be promoted, weaknesses that need to be overcome for the EZs and IZs in Vietnam. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are applied. Data is collected from many reliable sources such as reports of the World Bank (WB), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Data screening, processing and analyzing give the following specific results: Firstly, the ability to support business start-ups, tax and social obligations, and support to resolve corporate bankruptcy are considered as the biggest weaknesses of the EZs and IZs in Vietnam. Secondly, the ability to support various types of permits, support for access to input resources and credit access are the areas that need to be further improved in the future.