Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/115329 
Year of Publication: 
2015
Series/Report no.: 
ADBI Working Paper No. 515
Publisher: 
Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), Tokyo
Abstract: 
Growing internationalization of firms in Asia through participation in global value chains (GVCs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) has focused attention on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Yet there is scant literature on the characteristics of SMEs involved in GVCs and FTAs. Malaysia is reputed for its engagement in GVCs and is actively pursuing FTAs. Drawing on a survey of Malaysian enterprises, this paper examines the characteristics of SMEs in GVCs and FTAs and explores the policy implications. It finds that even among SMEs, firm size matters for participation in GVCs and FTAs. But size is not the whole story for SME internationalization. Licensing of foreign technology and investment in research and development are also positively associated with SMEs joining GVCs. Furthermore, increased exposure to international trade, knowledge of FTA provisions and central location positively affects the use of FTAs by SMEs. More business support for SMEs can help them to engage in GVCs and FTAs.
Subjects: 
internationalization
global value chains
utilization of free trade agreement
firm-level analysis
JEL: 
F13
F14
F15
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
456.52 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.