A Study on the Revitalization of Distribution and Logistics in the Least Developed Free Economic Zones (FEZ)

후발 경제자유구역의 성공을 위한 물류유통 부문 활성화에 관한 연구

Purpose - The objective of this paper is to explain the successful methods for the revitalization of distribution and logistics of the least developed FEZs (Saemangum, Yellow-sea, and Deagu-Kyengbuk) in Korea. With the recent changes in the economic terrain of Northeast Asia as with the rise of China, Korea has developed a logistics hub concept for improving the efficiency of logistics and distribution industry and its distribution and logistics policy has received positive worldwide evaluation. Therefore, we face severe competition and must always look for ways to address these problems. Research design, Data, Methodology - This study adopts two methods to propose successful revitalization of distribution and logistics in the least developed FEZ. The first method investigates the limitation of these FEZs by analyzing the statutes, and the second one follows comparable cases. Thus, we first reviewed the efficient strategic political alternatives for the least developed FEZ, Yellow-sea, Seamangum-Gunsan, and Deagu-Kyeongbuk, through the relative institution system, law, and future plans. Next, we studied the Bin-hai Economic Free Section (Zone) in China as a comparable example. In order to analyze the competitiveness of logistics in the three FEZs (Yellow-sea, Seamangum-Gunsan, and Deagu-Kyeongbuk), the total factor productivity growth of regional manufacturing industries is divided into three sources: the external trade effect, scale effect, and technical change effect. However, this paper does not test for a positive contribution of external trade, which is a reason of non-building on these FEZs. A FEZ that shows a larger external trade effect than the others will have a comparative advantage in the logistics infrastructure and policy support. This study presented the newly applied Bin-hai FEZ in China, in order to make the studied FEZ as successful by applying the strategy of its distribution and logistics center. Results - In Korea, there is an increased focus on the benefit of the regional development of regions such as the Free Economic Zones (FEZ). We have six FEZs, Inchon, Busan-Jinhae, Guangyang, Yellow-sea, Seamangum-Gunsan, and Deagu-Kyeongbuk. However, our FEZs do not have various supporting factors needed for the logistics and distribution industry. Korea designated the above six places as FEZ and has operated to enhance national competitiveness and ensure a balanced regional development since 2003. However, most FEZs did not receive favorable feedback in the first business performance evaluation and it is necessary to take action for substantial improvements. Conclusions - Especially, over the past 10 years, even though the FEZ policy has been implemented in an effort to promote success in distribution and logistics, there are still many underdeveloped industries in logistics. The main problem is the absence of revitalization of the high value added performance in the distribution and logistics industry. However, there is a limitation to this study. We have used non-empirical method based on a case study to arrive at our findings. Future studies should use appropriate statistical methods to supplement our results and provide a solution to this problem.