Second-Generation Asian Tigers in Global Value Chains: A Comparative Analysis of Backward and Forward Linkages

Iulia Monica Oehler-Șincai () and Georgeta Ilie ()
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Iulia Monica Oehler-Șincai: Institute for World Economy, Romanian Academy 13, Calea 13 Septembrie, 5th district, Bucharest, ROMANIA
Georgeta Ilie: Institute for World Economy, Romanian Academy 13, Calea 13 Septembrie, 5th district, Bucharest, ROMANIA

Global Economic Observer, 2026, vol. 14, issue 1, 110-121

Abstract: Considering different patterns and levels of integration into global value chains (GVCs), this paper investigates similarities and differences among the second-generation Asian Tigers from the perspective of their interconnections between industries and countries, i.e., backward and forward linkages. We bring to the forefront Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, and patterns of their integration into GVCs. The starting point of this research is the statistical evidence from the Regional Integration and Value Chain Analyzer (RIVA), developed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, interpreted from a comparative standpoint. After reviewing the relevant literature, in the first part, the investigation focuses on the main characteristics of the five economies, derived from their participation in GVCs covering the time frame between 2015 and 2024. In the second part, the case studies of Indonesia and Vietnam are presented, together with their backward and forward linkages in 2024.

Keywords: second-generation Asian Tigers; backward and forward linkages; global value chains; international trade. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F21 O13 Q42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-06
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