A integração comercial entre países vem ocorrendo através de negociações multilaterais e acordos regionais. As teorias de comércio internacional dizem que as primeiras provocam aumento de bem-estar. Entretanto, não há consenso sobre os efeitos dos segundos. O papel deste trabalho é justamente avaliar os impactos de dois acordos comerciais, o Mercosul e o Nafta, sobre dois critérios de bem-estar, a criação e o desvio de comércio. Isso é feito através da estimação de equações gravitacionais para dados em painel, com a inclusão de variáveis dummy para captar a relação intra e extra-bloco, conforme metodologia apresentada por Endoh (1999). Os resultados apontaram que não ocorreu criação de comércio em ambos os acordos. O Nafta foi seguido por desvio de comércio e o Mercosul apresentou dificuldades na mensuração do mesmo. / The commercial integration between countries has been taking place through multilateral negotiations and regional agreements. Economic theories of international trade say that the first one improves welfare. However, there is no consensus about the second one. The aim of this dissertation is just to evaluate the effects of two agreements, Mercosur and Nafta, on two concepts of welfare, trade creation and trade diversion. This is done through the estimation of gravity equations by panel data methods, with dummy variables to detect intra-bloc and extra-bloc relations, according to the methodology of Endoh (1999). The results suggested that trade creation has not occurred in both agreements. Nafta was followed by trade diversion and Mercosur presented difficulties in measuring this component.

As city governments and universities expand their roles in economic development, an opportunity is created to transform a university–city relationship from an operational one to a strategic one and from co-existence to collaboration. Impacted by history and context, there are many challenges to overcome. The goal of my thesis was to understand the “doing of collaboration” and the specific management processes in university–local government collaborations. I conducted a comparative case study of a Canadian University, Simon Fraser University, and two city governments, Burnaby and Surrey. A number of management processes are critical in building a successful collaboration. Two of the most important are the use of one or more liaison people with the appropriate skills, mandate and access to resources and the involvement of representatives at different organizational levels, particularly faculty who provide access to the university’s research capacity. Bilateral city–university committees and a good relationship between the university president and city mayor are useful but not sufficient to deepen the collaboration. The involvement of third-party organizations in the university–city relationship is beneficial. The importance of trust-building processes such as attribution and dispute resolution are heightened if there is a need to overcome a negative historical incident, an isolated geographic location, or tensions over transactional issues. While management processes are important, a shared strategic goal is paramount. This shared goal may not be evident at the start of a relationship. To identify the shared goal, it is necessary to have an understanding of the most valued university roles given the city’s context and aims. Each organization must have sufficient trust to enter into a deeper collaboration and an initial condition of openness, responsiveness, and commitment is necessary. The thesis provides practical advice to cities and universities and reveals how demonstration of value can build over increasingly ambitious projects.

Esta pesquisa busca analisar as contradições existentes no incentivo do poder público federal brasileiro à produção de alimentos e à produção de biodiesel no espaço do sertão baiano. Para tanto, foram analisados os efeitos do Programa Nacional de Uso e Produção do Biodiesel (PNPB) e do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) para a formação territorial do município de Morro do Chapéu (BA), especialmente, durante o período entre 2007 e 2012. O trabalho utilizou o apoio metodológico da história oral, por meio da sistematização de entrevistas realizadas com agricultores familiares que participaram das atividades dos programas. O aumento do emprego e da renda familiar dos pequenos produtores rurais e a conseqüente intensificação da base técnica em localidades do município são alguns dos resultados da ação pública federal e da organização produtiva e social local. No entanto, uma série de evidências mostra os desafios do desenvolvimento de programas públicos e da agricultura familiar no Brasil. / This research intends to analyze the existing contractions in the incentive of brazilian federal public power to the food production and to the production of biodiesel to the space of Bahias State dry lands. For that, the effects of the National Program of Production and Use of Biodiesel (PNPB) and the brazilian Program of Food Acquisition (PAA) to the territorial formation of the Morro do Chapéu (BA) city were analyzed, specially, during the period between 2007 and 2012. The work is based on the oral history methodology made through a series of interviews with family farmers that participated of the activities of both programs. The rising of employment and familiar incomes of family farmers and the intensification of technical basis in localities of the municipality are some results of the federal public action and the local productive and social organization. However, a series of evidences present the challenges to the public programs development and to development of family farm in Brazil.

This thesis involves construction of input-output models measuring the economic impact of a farming innovation organisation (The Birchip Cropping Group) on the Victorian regional economy of Buloke Shire. The input-output modeling undertaken is of two forms; the first being a simple naïve top-down model, and the second a more sophisticated hybrid model. The naïve top-down model is based on input-output coefficients drawn from the Australian national input-output tables, and is regarded as naïve because these input-output coefficients are not adjusted to take account of local economic factors. The hybrid model uses the same national input-output coefficients as a base, and then modifies these coefficients to better reflect industrial conditions in the Shire using a location quotients-adjustment technique, as well as using original survey data collected from entities operating in Buloke Shire. One of the aims of the thesis is to determine whether the simpler naïve top-down approach produces results consistent with the theoretically more accurate hybrid methodology, and thus whether the naïve top-down approach represents a reliable method of conducting regional economic impact analysis. That is, can such studies be undertaken accurately using a naïve top down approach, or is it necessary to adopt the more resource intensive methodology of a hybrid model. The results of the analysis suggest construction of a hybrid model is advisable, as generally the naïve top-down approach produces over-estimates of the economic effects of the Birchip Cropping Group. That is, it appears the economic impact multipliers estimated with the naïve top-down model are too large, suggesting the time and effort involved in constructing the hybrid model was worthwhile. Using the hybrid model, the conclusion is that the Birchip Cropping Group has a significant affect on the regional economy of Buloke Shire, with the economic impact being estimated at close to $600,000 in additional output, $61,000 in additional income, and 3.5 additional jobs per year.

Foreign Direct Investment is seen as a critical source of capital inflow and a stimulant of economic growth in many developing nations. It brings with it benefits such as job creation, technology and knowledge transfers just to mention a few. Thus many African countries are keen in finding ways of attracting FDI. The main objective of this paper is to empirically examine the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) by incorporating an econometric method based on cross-sectional data from 41 African countries over the period 2002-2007. More precisely, this research intends to answer the following question: what are the relevant determinants that promote FDI inflows in Africa? Among the several determinants of FDI, the finding suggests that market size and natural resource predominance are the main determinants of FDI into Africa.

Economic globalization at post-Cold War era brings new opportunities and challenges for economic development in each country. Regionalism is the main feature of multipolar international systems and globalization and regionalization are two main powers to push current international politics and economy development forward. Since China reformed and opened the policy in 1978, fast economic growth has made China become the regional leader to obtain regional politics and economy advantages through good-neighborly diplomacy. Moreover, ASEAN consists of medium and small countries and has to build up the safety for the Nationals and regions as so to strengthen the integration of politics and economy. Due to the painful lessons of Asian Financial Crisis in 1997, the turning point contributes both parties to establish ¡§China-ASEAN FTA¡¨ in 2010. Taiwan is located at the center of west Pacific which is the major juncture of North East Asia and Southeast Asia and has the superiority of geographical conditions. Taiwan is a trade-oriented country and Taiwan, China and ASEAN have close economic and trade relations. Taiwan depends deeply on China¡¦s economy and trade and the establishment of ¡§China-ASEAN FTA¡¨ will cause crowding effect to Taiwan¡¦s economy and trade. Due to international blockaded by China¡¦s ¡§one China¡¨ policy, ASEAN maintains separation strategy of economy and trade to Taiwan. During the economic globalization, advancing Regional Trade Agreement or allying with bilateral trade has become the strategy for each country to boost global competitiveness through regional economic integration. Therefore, stable domestic political environment is one of the main elements to affect national diplomacy and security policy. Cross-Strait relations in politics are full of complex confrontation and contradiction. After Ma Ying-jeou exercised the power, both sides opened the negotiation way and economic issues have become the most important focus. Both sides started with theory of neofunctionalism and the precondition is to put the controversy about both sides¡¦ sovereignty aside but normalize the economic and trade relations. Both sides reopened the negotiation which is the foundation to build up mutual trust and reciprocity and mutual benefit is the ultimate goal. Opposite ideology shall be put aside and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement shall be signed to ensure the economic safety and cooperation between both sides in response to the impact of establishing ¡§China-ASEAN FTA¡¨ to settle a stable economic relation to both sides.

¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@Abstract ¡@¡@In 1997 when Hong kong was returned to mainland China, one state - two systems was promoted. Politics was governed by basic laws. But on economic aspect, it was not until the promotion of CEPA that the economic development was apparently led by the Government, which is completely different from Hong Kong's free marketing trade. Such is the focus of all. The treaty signed between China and Hong kong came into effect in January, 2004. The content mainly includes in three areas -tax -relief on trade products, the import of service trade and investment coporation. CEPA has been carried out for the passed two years, and Hong kong's economic has since climbing upward along side with the tide of the world. To the Taiwanese bussinessmen this has become an increased investment competition stress for them in mainland China. And in turn it might affect Taiwan's economic status. So the influence is profound. ¡@¡@This article first tries to understand the related theories of regional economic integration. Focusing on the present stage after China and Hong Kong signed the treaty CEPA, to observed the operation of the allotment of political strategy between the Central government, localities and Hong Kong. To further understand through refering to all the problems and observation analysis done by experts. To practically understanding the practice of political strategy allotment and the interaction between various regions. With an attempt of analysing the value of political strategies which could in turn benefit analysis study on the adjustment of various trade strtegies. Analysing each and every factor that might cause the future economic development of Hong Kong and Taiwan which includes Govrnments setting of political strategies, international factor and China factor. Try to totally comprehend the role plays by Hong Kong and its interaction with other regional and international economic and trade On the other hand , it is to merge this article's diverse analysis on the impact of CEPA against Taiwan. And to suggest countermeasures in regards to the development of such situation. So as to enhance our competitiveness and to avoid the risk of being cornered. ¡@¡@This context intents to grant the basic introduction of regional economic integration to those who are concerned with China - Hong Kong's CEPA. It also serives as a reference to broaden the sight of business administraters. Last but not least, your comments are most appreciated. Key words¡GCEPA ¡BTheory of integration,regional economic integration,Pan Pearl River Delta¡]PPRD¡^

The aim of this thesis is to unveil the cognitive architecture of an industrial cluster by drawing on the roles of the labor mobility in particular as a mechanism of knowledge transmission and in general as a kind of social glue that holds together small production communities operative within a given territory. To what extent innovations occur in connection with labor mobility is one of the primary concerns of this thesis in accordance with its central role as a mechanism of knowledge spillover. In an effort to draw the wider theoretical framework within which knowledge spillover effects of labor mobility can be placed, this thesis firstly unveils the debates revolving around the increasing importance ascribed to (tacit) knowledge in (regional) economic development and the historical evolution of labor mobility studies. This thesis not only draws on but also develops a wide range of analytical tools designated for the particular needs of the questions addressed. The empirical dimension of this thesis is explored by employing a telescoping of view of both spatial and sectoral coverage. In this context, this thesis does not only attempt to grasp the small production communities operative in a socio-spatial system and to compare the innovation capacities of the respective communities by drawing on the contexts of labor mobility but also justifies the designation of the case study area and sectors in a detailed way. The method employed in the thesis is rather a holistic effort with regard to conceptualization of social, historical, economical and spatial processes.

Since the founding of the PRC to the present, the period was due to the transitions in political and economic institutional factors made the differences of the developmental pattern of China¡¦s regional economy, and the development of regional economy become more and more diverse with China expanded the extent of the Open Door Policy. In particular, the founding of the Southern-West Regional Economic Cooperation is the breakthrough of the developmental pattern of China¡¦s regional economy after China¡¦s Decentralization Policy. Thus, the research focuses on analyzing the development of the Southern-West Regional Economic Cooperation to treat about the developmental pattern of China¡¦s regional economy. The research uses the systematic analyzing process (Input-output analysis) to treat about the building and development of the economic cooperation from three systematic levels of national, regional and provincial respectively. The input factors of the research focuses on national policy, it includes China¡¦s foreign trade policy, foreign direct investment policy and regional economic development policy respectively. It is treated about how the factors influenced the development of China¡¦s regional economy in Chapter Three? The output factors are treated about how does the building and development of the economic cooperation in Chapter Four and Five? The feedback and revision of the research treat about how to improve the derivational problems through the collaboration with GMS in Chapter Six? Finally, Chapter Seven treats about what does the effects and findings to the present developmental pattern of China¡¦s regional economy through analyzing the development of the economic cooperation?

This dissertation consists of three essays in international trade. The first chapter analyzes integration strategies of Korean firms that involve producing final products and providing post-production services for serving geographically separate foreign markets: high-income and low-income countries. I present a model in which heterogeneous firms must provide services for products through their subsidiaries in host countries, but can produce output in different locations. The model shows that the firm's equilibrium decision depends on its own productivity level and economic variables that affect production location and providing services. Using plant- and firm-level data of Korean firms, the empirical analysis provides the results that support the model's predictions. The second chapter analyzes the effects of regional economic integrations on investment patterns among Korean multinational firms. Using Korea's middle-income status, we develop a model in which heterogeneous firms in a middle-income country decide on the optimal FDI strategies for serving different regions: a developed (EEA) and a developing (AFTA) trade integrated regions. Following reduced trade costs between countries inside the trade integrated region, our model predicts that integrating into a regional economic zone affects firms with low productivity levels to enter the region via complex FDI strategies. Depending on the size of the region, however, complex FDI strategies differ such that firms investing in developed region tend to undertake local and export sales to the third country, whereas firms investing in developing region are more likely to engage in not only local and export sales to the third country, but also export sales to the parent country. The empirical analysis confirms the effect of different regional economic integrations on the strategy of firms with different productivity levels. The last chapter examines the conditions under which technology spillovers through workers' movement occur between foreign affiliates in the host country and determine whether such spillovers can affect the exporters' decisions to switch their strategies to serve foreign markets via FDI. Developing a simple two-period duopoly model, I find that the occurrence of technology spillovers is dependent on firm and host country characteristics such that spillovers are more likely to arise when firms have similar technology capabilities and in countries that incur low cost of training local workers. Under these circumstances, exporters are more likely to switch to FDI for serving foreign markets. However, I find that transport costs of goods have ambiguous effect on the occurrence of spillovers and thus, do not play a marginal role in exporters' decision. / text