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Globalization, industrial development and the plastics industry in South Africa
Author(s) -
Roberts Simon
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of international development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.533
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1099-1328
pISSN - 0954-1748
DOI - 10.1002/jid.813
Subject(s) - globalization , business , development economics , economic geography , economic growth , economics , market economy
Abstract Through a study of the plastics sector in South Africa, the article critically examines the globalization position that greater openness yields gains from exports and foreign direct investment. Analysis of firm‐level data reveals that the depth and extent of the internationalization of production depends on the production capabilities of firms and their position and bargaining power in the supply‐chain. It is argued that liberalization does not necessarily mean that international relationships will be deepened and that a coherent industrial policy is important in the realization of the potential gains from such internationalization. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.