1998年-世界发展银行全球_Export_Processing_Zones_4页_369kb

Summary of Export Processing Zones

Core Content

Export processing zones (EPZs) are designated areas designed to promote exports by offering firms favorable trade and regulatory conditions. They are part of a broader set of export promotion tools, including bonded warehouses and temporary admission schemes. Over the past three decades, EPZs have become widespread, with more than 500 zones established in 73 countries by 1996.

EPZs are intended to achieve three main goals:

1. Generate foreign exchange earnings by promoting nontraditional exports.
2. Create jobs and generate income, particularly in nontraditional sectors and for women.
3. Attract foreign direct investment (FDI), which brings in technology transfer, knowledge spillovers, and backward linkages with domestic firms.

Main Features of EPZs

• Duty-free imports: Raw materials, intermediate goods, and capital equipment can be imported without tariffs.
• Streamlined government procedures: "One-stop shopping" for permits and applications.
• Flexible labor laws: Often more lenient than domestic regulations.
• Tax incentives: Generous and long-term tax concessions are common.
• Improved infrastructure: Better communication services and utilities.
• Ownership and management: Zones can be public or private, with private zones increasingly seen as more effective.
• Service levels: Zones are classified as "high-end" or "low-end" based on the quality of management and services provided.

Country Experiences

• Success: EPZs in Mauritius have been highly successful, with zone exports accounting for 67% of gross exports in 1995.
• Failure: Zones in Senegal have not generated significant export earnings or employment.
• Mixed results: In Jamaica, gross exports from zones were $235 million in 1996, but net exports were only $29 million.
• Positive spillovers: Zones can contribute to infrastructure development, human capital building, and catalyst effects in the host economy.
• Backward linkages: These are more common in countries with weak industrial bases, but often inconsistent and limited in scope.

Key Challenges

• Distortionary effects: EPZs may not be the best policy tool in liberal, low-protection economies due to potential inefficiencies and negative net present value.
• Labor concerns: While wages in EPZs are often competitive, lax labor laws raise issues about worker welfare, safety, and health.
• Environmental impact: Zones have been linked to pollution in some regions, and systematic monitoring is lacking.
• Opportunity costs: The costs of setting up and maintaining zones may not be offset by the benefits they provide.
• Rules of origin: EPZs in countries with trade agreements may face complex regulations when exporting to those markets.

Policy Recommendations

1. Set up and manage zones properly: Ensure they are integrated with national reform and liberalization programs.
2. Avoid distortionary incentives: Minimize overly generous tax holidays and tariff waivers.
3. Ensure sound fiscal and monetary policies: Maintain stability and clarity in laws and regulations.
4. Promote private ownership and management: This is believed to lead to more efficient operations.
5. Provide infrastructure support: Encourage private financing for on-site infrastructure, and public infrastructure outside the zones.
6. Strengthen labor and environmental regulations: Improve monitoring to ensure compliance and worker welfare.
7. Be mindful of the costs and benefits: Governments should fully understand the implications of incentives offered to EPZs.
8. Coordinate with trade agreements: Zones should be designed to align with preferential trade arrangements and rules of origin.

Conclusion

Export processing zones can be valuable tools for promoting exports and attracting FDI, but their success depends heavily on the economic environment of the host country, management quality, and policy integration. While they can generate income and employment, they may also introduce distortions and opportunity costs. Therefore, careful planning and implementation are essential to ensure they contribute positively to the host economy's development.