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China–Africa skills transfer through overseas economic and trade cooperation zones

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  • Ding Fei

Abstract

This paper investigates the employment patterns, training activities, and skills development outcomes of China's Overseas Economic and Trade Cooperation Zones (OETCZs) in Africa. Drawing upon ethnographic field research and a workers' opinion survey in Ethiopia's Eastern Industrial Zone (EIZ), it answers two questions: How well has intergovernmental collaboration on OETCZs been translated into training opportunities for local workers? What are local workers' perceptions and evaluations of the potentials and constraints of skills development in Chinese companies? Analyses based on field observations and regression models indicate that workers' demographic backgrounds, employment sector, and the peculiarities of Chinese workplaces are important factors to understand the skills development outcomes in Chinese OETCZs.

Suggested Citation

  • Ding Fei, 2024. "China–Africa skills transfer through overseas economic and trade cooperation zones," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 36(1), pages 172-191, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:36:y:2024:i:1:p:172-191
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3819
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    References listed on IDEAS

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