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Structural transformation through free trade zones: the case of Shanghai

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  • Guangwen Meng
  • Douglas Zhihua Zeng

Abstract

Launched in 2013, the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) was intended to serve as a platform for testing China’s new policy to facilitate more open trade and further open up its services sectors, such as finance, through easing restrictions on foreign and domestic companies. By 2018, it had attracted over 50,000 member companies. This paper provides an overview of global free economic zones (FEZs), or special economic zones (SEZs), and a detailed study of the Shanghai Pilot FTZ and its success factors and challenges. It draws out lessons that may be applicable to other developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Guangwen Meng & Douglas Zhihua Zeng, . "Structural transformation through free trade zones: the case of Shanghai," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:unc:tncjou:5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rajneesh Narula & James X. Zhan, . "Using special economic zones to facilitate development: policy implications," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
    2. Hao Hu & Shufang Wang & Jin-liao He, 2020. "Comparative Advantages of Free Trade Port Construction in Shanghai under the Belt and Road Initiative," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-15, February.
    3. François Bost, . "Special economic zones: methodological issues and definition," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

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