Responsible Investment Issues in Special Economic Zone Investment in Mainland Southeast Asia

• Main Author: Wash, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: H. : ĐHQGHN 2019
• Subjects: Economic development; Special economic zones; Social and governance issues; Mainland Southeast Asia
• Online Access: http://repository.vnu.edu.vn/handle/VNU_123/64788; https://doi.org/10.25073/2588-1108/vnueab.4226
• Institution: Vietnam National University, Hanoi

This paper seeks to explore environmental, social and governance issues arising from investment in special economic zones (SEZs) in the mainland Southeast Asian region through a mixture of thick analytical description and multiple case study approach. All the states studied here have embraced the SEZ approach as it offers rapid economic development without any implications for the political settlement, which is considered beneficial by current administrations. Particular emphasis is placed on environmental, social and governance issues in the region covered and some complex issues that have emerged. It is shown that the situation is complex and continually evolving and that there are limited constraints on the actions of corporations. Consequently, there is an opportunity for investors to set precedents and protocols on a progressive basis.