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Quality-Industrial Zones and Production Linkages:Evidence from Vietnam

Author

Listed:
  • Hisaki KONO
  • Hoang-Minh LE
  • Manabu NOSE
  • Yasuyuki SAWADA

Abstract

This paper examines the local economic impacts of industrial zones (IZs) in Vietnam, focusing on how their sectoral orientation within production networks shapes effectiveness. Using panel data on registered firms and a newly compiled dataset on IZ locations and sectoral compositions, we estimate the dynamic effects of IZ establishment on firm entry and employment through staggered difference-in-differences and synthetic control methods. We find that IZs lead to sustained increases in both firm and worker density over a 6–10 year horizon, indicating substantial local economic gains. These effects are particularly pronounced in zones oriented toward downstream industries—those that create demand for upstream suppliers—while upstream orientation does not predict stronger outcomes. We further show that backward production linkages mediate these gains, suggesting that demand-side constraints, rather than input frictions, may be more binding in developing country contexts. The results highlight not only the overall effectiveness of IZs but also the importance of aligning industrial policy design with the structure of production networks to maximize spatial development benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Hisaki KONO & Hoang-Minh LE & Manabu NOSE & Yasuyuki SAWADA, 2025. "Quality-Industrial Zones and Production Linkages:Evidence from Vietnam," Discussion papers e-25-005, Graduate School of Economics , Kyoto University.
    • Handle: RePEc:kue:epaper:e-25-005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yi Lu & Jin Wang & Lianming Zhu, 2019. "Place-Based Policies, Creation, and Agglomeration Economies: Evidence from China's Economic Zone Program," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 11(3), pages 325-360, August.
    2. Gibson, John & Olivia, Susan & Boe-Gibson, Geua & Li, Chao, 2021. "Which night lights data should we use in economics, and where?," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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