Location choice in low-income countries: evidence from Japanese investments in East Asia

Kazunobu Hayakawa and Kenmei Tsubota

No 301, IDE Discussion Papers from Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO)

Abstract: Unlike most existing studies, this paper examines the location choices of MNEs in developing countries. Specifically, we investigate the location choices of Japanese MNEs among East Asian developing countries by estimating a four-stage nested logit model at the province level. Noteworthy results of location elements are as follows. As is consistent with the mechanics of cheap labor-seeking FDI, Japanese MNEs are more likely to invest in locations with low income and low tariff rates on products from Japan. Also, accessibility to other locations and/or ports matters in attracting Japanese MNEs because it is crucial in importing materials and exporting their products. In addition, WTO membership and bilateral investment treaties are important because these contribute to the settlement of trade and investment disputes, which is more likely to be necessary in developing countries.

Keywords: Southeast Asia; China; Japan; Malaysia; Indonesia; Cambodia; Laos; Myanmar; Vietnam; Thailand; Philippines; Foreign investments; Industrial management; Location Choice; Multinational Firms; Nested-logit Model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F15 F21 F23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011-07-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cwa, nep-dcm, nep-dev, nep-int and nep-sea
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published in IDE Discussion Paper = IDE Discussion Paper, No. 301. 2011-07-01

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Journal Article: Location choice in low-income countries: Evidence from Japanese investments in East Asia (2014)
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