Nilaphy Phommachanh

Ph.D. Student

Nagoya University, Japan

Find my resume here

Interest

• Development Economics
• Regional Economics
• Applied Econometrics
• Remote Sensing
  

Education

MA in International Development, 2022

Nagoya University, Japan

B.B.A in Finance and Banking, 2016

Assumption University, Thailand

Publication

Working papers

Impact of Special Economic Zone on Economic Development: Evidence From Laos Nightlight Analysis

Abstract: Special economic zones (SEZs) have become one of the most widely used industrial policies among many developed and developing countries worldwide in the past decades. However, their impact on the economy is still inconclusive, especially in developing countries where the lack of data availability presents a challenge. This study examines the causal effect of SEZ on the economy of Laos using the harmonized nightlight satellite data as a proxy for the economic activities of 148 districts from 1992-2021. Using the counterfactual estimators for causal inference with time-series cross-sectional framework, this study found that districts with SEZ are associated with a statistically significant increase in economic activities. The paper also tests for heterogeneity effect by examining SEZs before and after the establishment of dedicated SEZ agencies in 2010. The results highlight the importance of having supporting institutions and policies when trying to reap the benefit of SEZs.

On-progress research projects

1. Do SEZs improve GVC participation? Cross-country evidence from causal analysis

2. Assessing the impacts of industrial park on local development: The case of Morowali region, Indonesia

Conference Presentations

Beyond Boundaries: Investigating Special Economic Zone Spillover Effects in Laos

The 22nd International Conference of the Japan Economic Policy Association, November 18-19, 2023

Ritsumeikan University, Osaka, Japan

Beyond Boundaries: Investigating Special Economic Zone Spillover Effects in Laos

JASID-Tokai Conference for Young Researchers, September 29, 2023

Nagoya University, Japan

Invited to present as keynote speaker.

Impact of Special Economic Zone on Economic Development: Evidence From Laos Nightlight Analysis

The 2nd Asian Economic Development Conference, July 15-16, 2023

The University of Tokyo, Japan

Selectedto present at the conference special session.

Impact of Special Economic Zone on Economic Development: Evidence From Laos Nightlight Analysis

The 7th International Conference on Economic Structures Conference on Economic Structures, March 18-19, 2023

Hosei University, Japan

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