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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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    1. Fei, Ding, 2018. "Work, Employment, and Training through Africa-China Cooperation Zones: Evidence from the Eastern Industrial Zone in Ethiopia," SAIS-CARI Working Papers 2018/19, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), China Africa Research Initiative (CARI).
    2. Tugendhat, Henry, 2020. "How Huawei succeeds in Africa: Training and knowledge transfers in Kenya and Nigeria," SAIS-CARI Working Papers 2020/34, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), China Africa Research Initiative (CARI).
    3. Eom, Janet, 2018. "Chinese manufacturing moves to Rwanda: A study of training at C&H Garments," SAIS-CARI Working Papers 2018/18, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), China Africa Research Initiative (CARI).
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    6. Fei, Ding, 2018. "Work, Employment, and Training through Africa-China Cooperation Zones: Evidence from the Eastern Industrial Zone in Ethiopia," SAIS-CARI Policy Briefs 27/2018, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), China Africa Research Initiative (CARI).
    7. Meric S. Gertler, 2003. "Tacit knowledge and the economic geography of context, or The undefinable tacitness of being (there)," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 3(1), pages 75-99, January.
    8. Oya, Carlos & Schaefer, Florian, 2023. "Do Chinese firms in Africa pay lower wages? A comparative analysis of manufacturing and construction firms in Angola and Ethiopia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    9. Eom, Janet, 2018. "Chinese manufacturing moves to Rwanda: A study of training at C&H Garments," SAIS-CARI Policy Briefs 26/2018, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), China Africa Research Initiative (CARI).
    10. Tugendhat, Henry, 2020. "How Huawei Succeeds in Africa: Training and Knowledge Transfers in Kenya and Nigeria," SAIS-CARI Policy Briefs 41/2020, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), China Africa Research Initiative (CARI).
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