An overview of China's Industrial Development Zones, with a focus on Tianjin TEDA Economic and Technological Development Area

Abstract

This master degree thesis aims at describing the development and present characteristics of China Industrial Development Zones with a focus on Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area, and it is divided into three chapters. The first chapter deals with an overall description of the different typologies of Industrial Development Zones in China (Special Economic Zones, Economic and Technological Development Zones, High-Tech Industrial Development Zones, Bonded Zones, Export Processing Zones and Free Trade Zones), their specific characteristics and relative investment policies. The second chapter gives an overall description of Tianjin present situation: its geography, population, and main economic indicators. This chapter also describes the two main governmental strategies that will influence Tianjin future development, the Jing-Jin-Ji megalopolis implementation and the One Belt One Road Initiative, and their relationship with Tianjin Industrial Development Zones. The third chapter describes the development and present situation of the Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone (TEDA): it describes TEDA main industrial strengths and main economic achievements, focusing on TEDA export activities and Foreign Direct Investment. It also deals with this area living conditions and the latest challenge faced by urban and industrial development: eco-sustainability. The final part of the third chapter explores TEDA main advantages for foreign investors.