Free Zones and Regional Value Chain Integration: A Policy Study on Sustainable Development
Keywords:
Free Zone, Value Chain, ASEAN, Industrial Development, Investment PolicyAbstract
The study aims to examine the current situation and trends in Thailand's free zone development, analyze potential and limitations in connecting with ASEAN value chains, and propose policy development guidelines. This study employs qualitative research methodology, analyzing secondary data from government documents and reports, academic articles, and international organization reports, covering the period from 2017 to 2024. The findings reveal that free zones in Thailand have experienced continuous expansion. However, several significant aspects were identified, including a shortage of highly skilled labor, delays in digital infrastructure development, and regulatory complexities. Additionally, changes in global supply chains and increasing competition from neighboring countries pose significant challenges. This study proposes key policy development guidelines, including digital infrastructure enhancement, improvement of investment privileges and promotional measures, human resource development, regulatory streamlining, and promotion of regional value chain integration, as well as sustainable development and social responsibility. Implementing these recommendations requires cooperation from all sectors and an efficient monitoring and evaluation system.
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