Reports

Discussion Papers

No.774 (Re)defining Economic Corridors

by Ikumo Isono and Satoru Kumagai

March 2020

ABSTRACT

Economic corridors connect production bases, markets, and gateway ports to the outside region, thereby stimulating economic integration and development in remote areas. In terms of recognition, development programmes, and effectiveness, economic corridors in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) are one of the region’s best practices. Several other regions have adopted similar approaches. However, one major problem concerning economic corridors is that the selection of economic corridors is inconsistent from an economic perspective. This paper uses the Geographical Simulation Model developed by the Institute of Developing Economies. As an experimental study, this paper redefines economic corridors in the GMS from an economic perspective and discusses the favourable conditions for economic corridors.

Keywords: Economic corridors, Simulation, Greater Mekong Subregion

JEL classification: O18, R12, R58

Please note that discussion papers are works in various stages of progress and most have not been edited and proofread and may contain errors of fact or judgment. Revised versions of these papers may subsequently appear in more formal publication series. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s). The IDE does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included and accepts no responsibility for any consequences arising from its use.