Building Engines for Growth and Competitiveness in China: Experience with Special Economic Zones and Industrial Clusters

In the past 30 years, China has achieved an unprecedented development "miracle" in human history. How did China achieve this? What are the key drivers for such a rapid growth? And mostly importantly, what can be learned from China's success? While many factors could be identified to explain China's success, it is no doubt that the numerous Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial clusters that emerged after the country's reforms are two important engines that have been driving China's rapid development.

The key experiences of China's SEZs and industrial clusters could be best summarized as: gradualism with experimental approach; strong commitment; and an active facilitating state with strong pragmatism.

The volume is intended to review the development experiences of China's SEZs and industrial clusters through extensive research, field visits and case studies, in an attempt to benefit the policy-makers, development practitioners, scholars from developing countries and the global development community in general. It starts with a summary piece, and then followed by five cases - three SEZs in broad sense (Shenzhen, Tianjin and Kunshan) and two industrial clusters (Wenzhou footwear cluster in Zhejiang and Xiqiao textile cluster in Guangdong). It is so far the most comprehensive piece in the world, covering both the SEZ and cluster experiences of China.