Fair Competition Review System and cross-regional capital flow: Evidence from China

Shuqi Li and Nuo Xu

Finance Research Letters, 2024, vol. 70, issue C

Abstract: Breaking local protectionism and market segmentation to promote the free flow of production factors between regions is crucial for building a unified national market in China. Introduced in 2016, the Fair Competition Review System (FCRS) restricts local governments’ abuse of administrative power to limit competition. The system corrects market failures and weakens regional barriers, establishing market competition by evaluating policies and regulations for anti-competitive practices. This study investigated the impact of the FCRS on cross-regional capital flow through subsidiaries in different regions. Using data from Chinese-listed companies between 2011 and 2022, this empirical study found that capital flow significantly increased after the system's implementation. Cross-regional flow was stronger in areas with higher reduced administrative barriers, lower tax burdens, and lower capacity utilization rates. This suggests that the primary mechanisms driving capital flow were expansion and cost-efficiency improvements. Heterogeneity tests indicate that the system exhibited a stronger impact on promoting cross-regional capital flow for private enterprises and those with low investment efficiency and weaker profitability. These findings suggest that the FCRS effectively regulates administrative monopolies, reduces regional barriers, and facilitates freer capital flow between regions, contributing to a unified national market in China.

Keywords: Fair Competition Review System; Administrative monopoly; Cross-regional capital flow; Remote investment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G18 G30 L40 O10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:finlet:v:70:y:2024:i:c:s1544612324013370

DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106308

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