Comparative analysis of public administration tools in special economic zones of China and Kazakhstan
-
DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.21511/ppm.23(2).2025.59
-
Article InfoVolume 23 2025, Issue #2, pp. 814-825
- 12 Views
-
3 Downloads
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This study examines the role of public administration tools in special economic zones (SEZs) in China and Kazakhstan. The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of public administration tools in SEZs of both countries, focusing on governance models, regulatory frameworks, investment incentives, and their impact on economic performance. The methodology includes a review of the historical development and current practices of SEZs in both nations, especially comparing the special economic zones of Shenzhen and Astana. This involves analyzing governance structures, tax incentives, and policies impacting FDI and technology transfer using both qualitative and quantitative data. The study concludes that the effectiveness of public administration tools in SEZs depends on governance structures and alignment with national economic goals, highlighting the need for flexible governance models to maximize the economic benefits of SEZs. Findings indicate that China’s decentralized governance was a key factor in its significant and rapid economic growth, providing an example for Kazakhstan to study further and potentially implement, as it grants more decision-making autonomy to local SEZ authorities. The key recommendations are that the adaptivity of public administration strategies plays a vital role in fostering the efficiency of SEZs and attracting high technological industries for Kazakhstan.
Acknowledgment
This research is funded by the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Project No. BR24993082).
- Keywords
-
JEL Classification (Paper profile tab)H11, H79, H83
-
References40
-
Tables4
-
Figures0
-
- Table 1. The development of public administration policies for SEZs in China
- Table 2. Basic tax rates in the SEZ of China and Kazakhstan
- Table 3. Comparative framework analysis of the SEZ governance and administration in China and Kazakhstan
- Table 4. Comparative overview analysis of the SEZ activities in China and Kazakhstan
-
- Aaron, C. (2019). Special economic zones. A model for the Middle East and North Africa. Regional Program Political Dialogue South Mediterranean. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
- Abdimomуnova, A., Temirova, A., Yussupova, S., & Talapbaeva, G. (2019). Evaluation and trends of regional differences in Kazakhstan. Social and Human Sciences, 3(325), 274-283.
- Alexianu, M., Saab, M., Teachout, M., & Khandelwal, A. (2019, November). Doing special economic zones right: A policy framework. International Growth Center.
- Ambroziak, A., & Hartwell, C. (2018). The impact of investments in special economic zones on regional development: The case of Poland. Regional Studies, 52(10), 1322-1331.
- Aritua, B., Chiu, H., Cheng, L., Farrell, S., & de Langen, P. (2022). Developing China’s ports: How the gateways to economic prosperity were revived. World Bank Publications.
- Asian Development Bank. (2018, April). A diagnostic study of Kazakhstan’s special economic zones and industrial zones.
- Bokayev, B., & Issenova, A. (2022). Innovative strategies of development of small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan: Examining state policy during COVID-19. The Innovation Journal, 27(1), 2-19.
- Bokayev, B., Davletbayeva, Z., Sadykova, K., Balmanova, A., & Baktiyarova, G. (2024). Assessing communication competencies of public servants in Kazakhstan: Current status and approaches for enhancement. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 22(2), 667-682.
- Bokayev, B., Nauryzbek, M., Davletbayeva, Z., Dussipov, Y., Rysbekova, Z., & Torebekova, Z. (2022). Factors driving individual perceptions of quotidian corruption: Evidence from Kazakhstan. Public Integrity, 25(4), 380-398.
- Chaisse, J., & Ji, X. (2020). The pervasive problem of special economic zones for international economic law: Tax, investment, and trade issues. World Trade Review, 19(4), 567-588.
- Ciżkowicz, P., Ciżkowicz-Pękała, M., Pękała, P., & Rzońca, A. (2017). The effects of special economic zones on employment and investment: A spatial panel modeling perspective. Journal of Economic Geography, 17(3), 571-605.
- Crane, B., Albrecht, C., Duffin, K. M., & Albrecht, C. (2018). China’s special economic zones: An analysis of policy to reduce regional disparities. Regional Studies, Regional Science, 5(1), 98-107.
- Farole, T., & Akinci, G. (2011). Special economic zones: Progress, emerging challenges, and future directions (Policy Note 63844). World Bank Publications.
- Forbes. (2024, April 19). Analitiki: V Kazakhstane lish chetyre ekonomicheskiye zony iz 14 mozhno nazvat uspeshnymi [Analysts: In Kazakhstan, only four out of 14 economic zones can be called successful]. (In Russian).
- Frick, S. A., & Rodríguez-Pose, A. (2023). What draws investment to special economic zones? Lessons from developing countries. Regional Studies, 57(11), 2136-2147.
- Gopalakrishnan, S. (2007). Negative aspects of special economic zones in China. Economic and Political Weekly, 42(17), 1492-1494.
- Hidayat, S., & Negara, S. D. (2020). Special economic zones and the need for proper governance. Contemporary Southeast Asia, 42(2), 251-275.
- Kazinform. (2024, April 19). Lish 4 iz 13 ekonomicheskikh zon Kazakhstana mozhno nazvat uspeshnymi — Analitiki [Only 4 out of 13 economic zones in Kazakhstan can be called successful – Analysts]. (In Russian).
- Konysbek, A. (2022). Special economic zones as an innovative tool of public administration in regional development: Case of Kazakhstan. Innovation Journal, 27(3), 2-15.
- Leong, C. K. (2013). Special economic zones and growth in China and India: An empirical investigation. International Economics and Economic Policy, 10(4), 549-567.
- Lin, J., & Liu, Z. (2000). Fiscal decentralization and economic growth in China. Economic Development and Cultural Change, 49(1), 1-21.
- Mirzaliyeva, S. (2019). Special economic zones: New priorities in global and national economy. Central Asian Economic Review, 4, 171-179.
- Narula, R., & Zhan, J. (2019). Using special economic zones to facilitate development: Policy implications. Transnational Corporations Journal, 26(2), 1-26.
- National Bureau of Statistics of China. (n.d.). National Data.
- Omi, K. (2019). ‘Extraterritoriality’ of free zones: The necessity for enhanced customs involvement (World Customs Organization Research Paper No. 47). World Customs Organization.
- Qazindustry. (n.d.). Normativno-pravovaya baza [Regulatory and legal framework]. Kazakhstan Industry and Export Center. (In Russian).
- Saulius, N. (2024). Study of the dynamics and impact of Special Economic Zones in Lithuania: A comprehensive analysis. Foreign Experience, 63(2), 192-198.
- Scott, C. (2018). Regulation in the age of governance: The rise of the post-regulatory state. Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Shadikhodjaev, S. (2021). The WTO agreement on subsidies and countervailing measures and unilateralism of special economic zones. Journal of International Economic Law, 24(2), 381-402.
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). (2019). World investment report 2019. Special economic zones. United Nations Publications.
- Wijnbergen, S.J. G., & Willems, T. (2016). Learning dynamics and support for economic reforms: Why good news can be bad. The World Bank Economic Review, 30(1), 1-23.
- World Bank. (2014). China’s special economic zones.
- Yang, L., Luo, X., Ding, Z., Liu, X., & Gu, Z. (2022). Restructuring for growth in development zones, China: A systematic literature and policy review (1984–2022). Land, 11(7), Article 972.
- Yeung, Y. M., Lee, J., & Kee, G. (2009). China’s special economic zones at 30. Eurasian Geography and Economics, 50(2), 222-240.
- Yuzbashioglu, N., Ydyris, S., Kozhambekov, J., & Kelesbaev, D. (2018). Development and current situation of special economic zones in Kazakhstan. Journal of Economic Research & Business Administration, (3), 127-133.
- Zeng, D. Z. (2010). Building engines for growth and competitiveness in China: Experience with special economic zones and industrial clusters (Report 56447). World Bank Publications.
- Zeng, D. Z. (2011). How do special economic zones and industrial clusters drive China’s rapid development? (Policy Research Working Paper No. 5583). Washington, DC: World Bank Group.
- Zeng, D. Z. (2015). Global experiences with special economic zones: Focus on China and Africa (Working Paper No. 7240). World Bank Policy Research.
- Zeng, D. Z. (2021). The past, present, and future of special economic zones and their impact. Journal of International Economic Law, 24(2), 259-275.
- Zhan, J., & Zhang, H. (2024). The effects of the development zone upgrading on the diversification of firm’s product exports: Evidence from Chinese exporters. The Journal of Development Studies, 60(9), 1435-1456.