The Theory and Practice of Free Economic Zones

Based on the wealth of data difficult to find in the West and previous studies on free economic zones (FEZs), this book discusses the development and structure of FEZs on the international, national and regional levels. In Part A, the world economic integration and its relation with FEZs is discussed. Following a general definition, a factor system and a systematic typology of FEZs, a structural and a spatial evolutionary model of world FEZs are advanced. These models improve the previous studies and provide a useful example for Chinese FEZs. In Part B, the necessity to establish FEZs in China is shown by looking back to China’s economic and regional policies since 1949/50, and especially since 1978. The author describes the evolution and the general characteristics of China’s FEZs and compares them with world FEZs. Finally, China’s FEZs with 20 years experiences and their development in the future are discussed. Part C gives a brief historical overview of Tianjin’s urban and economic development in the last hundred years in order to explain the economic and political situation for the setup and evolution of TEDA (Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area) since 1984. Here TEDA’s achievement and problems until 2000 are evaluated. Its development trend is analyzed. In conclusion, TEDA’s useful empirical evidence for the theory and practice of FEZs in China and around the world is discussed.