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Constructing the future of Cambodia: A Study on the Impact of Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Construction Sector in Phnom Penh

Kowattanawaranon, Kulkaew LU (2019) MIDM19 20191
LUMID International Master programme in applied International Development and Management
Department of Human Geography
Abstract
This qualitative research aims to address the impacts of China’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on Cambodian labor in the construction sector by choosing the Diamond Island, a hub of China’s real-estate investment in Phnom Penh, as a case study. Based on the interviews with 35 Cambodian construction workers and nine key informants from the government, private sector, international organizations, international non-governmental organization, and research institute, the study assesses both positive and negative impacts from Chinese FDI.

Findings and analyses show how Chinese FDI has successfully function in Cambodia and how it helps generate the employment and higher wages to the local workers. Simultaneously, it could also be a way to... (More)
This qualitative research aims to address the impacts of China’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on Cambodian labor in the construction sector by choosing the Diamond Island, a hub of China’s real-estate investment in Phnom Penh, as a case study. Based on the interviews with 35 Cambodian construction workers and nine key informants from the government, private sector, international organizations, international non-governmental organization, and research institute, the study assesses both positive and negative impacts from Chinese FDI.

Findings and analyses show how Chinese FDI has successfully function in Cambodia and how it helps generate the employment and higher wages to the local workers. Simultaneously, it could also be a way to hinder the potential gains from its spillovers, including a knowledge diffusion, technology transfer, skilled development for local workers, as well as better labor standards and decent livelihoods if not granting compliance with law enforcement and a good collaboration among relevant agencies. Therefore, the advantages of inward FDI in Cambodia has prevailed, but the full benefits have not yet been fulfilled. Lastly, the study suggests a policy implication for future research in order to derive greater benefits from Chinese investment. (Less)
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author
Kowattanawaranon, Kulkaew LU
supervisor
organization
course
MIDM19 20191
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
China, Cambodia, FDI, labor, construction sector, workforce
language
English
id
8975970
date added to LUP
2019-10-17 13:54:11
date last changed
2019-10-17 13:54:11
@misc{8975970,
  abstract     = {{This qualitative research aims to address the impacts of China’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on Cambodian labor in the construction sector by choosing the Diamond Island, a hub of China’s real-estate investment in Phnom Penh, as a case study. Based on the interviews with 35 Cambodian construction workers and nine key informants from the government, private sector, international organizations, international non-governmental organization, and research institute, the study assesses both positive and negative impacts from Chinese FDI. 

Findings and analyses show how Chinese FDI has successfully function in Cambodia and how it helps generate the employment and higher wages to the local workers. Simultaneously, it could also be a way to hinder the potential gains from its spillovers, including a knowledge diffusion, technology transfer, skilled development for local workers, as well as better labor standards and decent livelihoods if not granting compliance with law enforcement and a good collaboration among relevant agencies. Therefore, the advantages of inward FDI in Cambodia has prevailed, but the full benefits have not yet been fulfilled. Lastly, the study suggests a policy implication for future research in order to derive greater benefits from Chinese investment.}},
  author       = {{Kowattanawaranon, Kulkaew}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Constructing the future of Cambodia: A Study on the Impact of Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Construction Sector in Phnom Penh}},
  year         = {{2019}},
}