Comparative Research On Integrated Bonded Zone And Free Trade Zone Based On Correspondence Analysis

Against the backdrop of world economy still emerging from recession after the financial crisis, many countries attach great importance to Free Trade Zone (FTZ) that is regarded as an indispensable node of global supply chain and plays an increasingly significant role especially in order to facilitate international logistics and attract transnational corporations by means of providing barrier-free business environment.Since 1990s, China has set up Bonded Zone as a transitional form of FTZ. During 20 years' development, its form and content kept an evolving course which was accompanied by more openness and better policy circumstances. Up to this point, a multi- level system in the name of Special Customs Supervision Zones (SCSZ) has been constructed and which is typically represented by Integrated Bonded Zone (IBZ). With the aim of measuring the disparity between FTZ and IBZ, this thesis designs an evaluation model so as to perform the specific comparative research.Firstly, this thesis builds a conceptual framework as Free Zone in the purpose of incorporating various types of similar special economic zones across the world. Under this framework, FTZs are repositioned and a new taxonomy for FTZs based on function as well as level of openness is presented. Secondly, the history of SCSZ is summarized and its future trend that characterized by consolidating to IBZ based on city unit is predicted. Furthermore, especially from the perspective of policy and economy, this thesis designs a Free Degree Evaluation Model which revolves around the core feature of free trade. Besides, Shanghai IBZ, Suzhou Industrial Park IBZ and Hong Kong are selected as evaluation objects in the case study and corresponding index scores are obtained. After that, the statistics technique of Correspondence Analysis (CORA) is introduced so as to seek the specific difference among them by data processing and comparison of visual graphics. Finally, it draws the conclusion that IBZs must diversify their offerings beyond just tax advantages in order to play the role as catalyst for economic growth. In this respect, appropriate policy suggestions are also provided in the hope of establishing the authentic FTZ on the mainland of China with its own characteristics as well as international competitiveness.