| Overseas economic and trade cooperation zones(OETCZs)are an important practice for China to promote mutually beneficial and win-win opening-up strategies,and an effective approach to fulfilling the economic and social development requirements of host countries.OETCZs not only provide Chinese enterprises with a broader market and a better investment environment,but also create a positive impact on the trade development of host countries.Comprehensively evaluating the impact of cooperation zones on the trade of host countries has significant practical significance.Based on panel data from 182 countries from1992 to 2021,this paper evaluates the multiple impacts of OETCZs on host country trade using the difference-in-differences(DID)model from the perspective of host countries.The research findings are as follows:(1)The establishment of OETCZs significantly reduces host country trade costs,increases host country import and export trade volume,and optimizes host country import and export trade structure.This conclusion remains valid even after conducting multiple tests to ensure its robustness.(2)The impact of OETCZs on host country trade is heterogeneous.It is more significant in countries with relatively backward economic development,abundant natural resources,located in the Asian region or along the "Belt and Road".(3)The mechanism study found that OETCZs mainly improve the institutional environment and infrastructure of host countries to reduce trade costs;indirectly promote the increase of trade volume by increasing foreign direct investment in host countries;and optimize the trade structure by improving the technology level of host countries.The research conclusions of this paper provide valuable reference and economic basis for a deeper understanding of the contribution of OETCZs to local economies,and also lay a realistic foundation for further supporting China’s firm commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind. |
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