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China’s economic and trade cooperation zones in Africa: from static model emulation to dynamic learning

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  • Alves, Ana Cristina
  • Alden, Christopher

Abstract

This article explores the intricacies of replicating China’s structural economic transformation through special economic zones (SEZs) in Africa, with a focus on the Eastern Industry Zone (EIZ) in Ethiopia. Combining insights from empirical research and the literature on China’s development model, African SEZs and Chinese economic and trade cooperation zones (ETCZs) in Africa, we contend that while static industrialisation policies can be transposed more readily, the dynamic aspects that underpin China’s model face challenges due to differences in institutional capacity and contextual synergies (internal and external). This hampers the efficacy of ETCZs in steering structural economic transformation. The article advocates for a more creative adaptation process, urging dynamic learning and leadership level innovation to address institutional and structural weaknesses while reducing vulnerability to externalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Alves, Ana Cristina & Alden, Christopher, 2024. "China’s economic and trade cooperation zones in Africa: from static model emulation to dynamic learning," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 121446, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:121446
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/121446/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Susanne A. Frick & Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, 2022. "Special Economic Zones and Sourcing Linkages with the Local Economy: Reality or Pipedream?," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(2), pages 655-676, April.
    2. Carol Newman & John Page, 2017. "Industrial clusters: The case for Special Economic Zones in Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series 015, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    3. Carol Newman & John Page, 2017. "Industrial clusters: The case for Special Economic Zones in Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2017-15, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    4. May, Peter J., 1992. "Policy Learning and Failure," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 12(4), pages 331-354, October.
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    JEL classification:

    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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