THE ROLE OF INDUSTRIAL ZONES IN ATTRACTING FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: EVIDENCE FROM DEVELOPING ECONOMIES

This study examines the role of industrial zones in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing economies. Industrial zones are considered one of the most effective policy instruments for improving the investment climate, reducing institutional barriers, and creating favorable conditions for foreign investors. The paper analyzes how factors such as infrastructure development, tax incentives, regulatory simplification, and strategic location of industrial zones influence foreign investors’ decisions. Special attention is given to the experience of developing countries, where industrial zones have contributed to industrialization, employment generation, and integration into global value chains. In my personal view, the effectiveness of industrial zones in attracting foreign direct investment largely depends not only on fiscal incentives, but also on the quality of governance, long-term policy stability, and the level of integration between industrial zones and the domestic economy. The findings suggest that well-managed industrial zones can serve as a sustainable driver of foreign direct investment and economic growth in developing economies.本研究探讨了工业区在发展中经济体吸引外商直接投资（Foreign Direct Investment，FDI）中的作用。工业区被视为优化投资环境、降低制度性壁垒、为外商投资者创造有利条件的最有效政策工具之一。本文分析了基础设施建设、税收优惠、监管简化以及工业区战略区位等因素如何影响外商投资者的投资决策。研究特别关注了发展中国家的实践经验——在这些国家中，工业区有力推动了工业化进程、创造了就业岗位并助力融入全球价值链。笔者认为，工业区在吸引外商直接投资方面的成效，不仅取决于财政优惠政策，还在很大程度上依赖于治理质量、长期政策稳定性，以及工业区与国内经济的融合程度。研究结果表明，管理完善的工业区可作为发展中经济体吸引外商直接投资、推动经济增长的可持续动力源。