A Study on the Relationship between Export Trade and Employment Level in China's Border Provinces and Regions

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of export trade on employment levels in the border regions of China. By collecting data spanning from 2000 to 2016, we constructed a panel dataset focused on export trade. Through empirical analysis, we determined that export trade plays a crucial role in elevating employment levels within these border regions. However, employing robustness tests and heterogeneous analysis, we uncovered disparities in the impact of export trade on employment across distinct geographical areas and industries. Specifically, the stimulatory effect of export trade on employment is notably more pronounced within the secondary sector compared to the primary and tertiary sectors. Furthermore, an intriguing finding emerged: while inland border regions exhibit a positive correlation between export trade and employment, coastal border regions demonstrate a negative correlation. This dichotomy signifies an incongruity in the influence of export trade on employment across varied regions.