• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.3-33
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• 1991

Since the early 1980's, the Korean government has gradually been widening the Korean market to foreign consumer goods. This, combined with the increased purchasing power of the Korean consumers resulting from the continued economic growth of the country, has sparked a spectacular influx of foreign consumer goods into Korea, ranging from BMW's to chopsticks. Import of foreign consumer goods amounted to more than 6 billion dollars in 1989 and is continuing to grow at a rapid rate. The increased import of foreign consumer goods doubtlessly improved the overall welfare of the Korean consumers by providing them with a wider range of options to choose from, by lowering the prices of some of the consumer goods domestically produced, and also by forcing the producers of some Korean goods to face competition with better foreign goods, thus giving them an incentive to raise the quality of their products. However, it is agreed by most economists that this increase in general welfare has been much smaller than what they had expected at the outset. Consumer prices of most imported consumer goods are easily double the import price, and in some cases, more than treble the import prices. Further, there has not been a noticeable drop in the prices of domestically produced consumer goods. Much of the blame has been attributed to the distribution sector of Korea. The objective of this paper is to analyze the imported consumer goods distribution sector of Korea, focusing on the possible sources of the poor performance of that sector, and to make policy suggestions that could potentially increase the welfare. This paper differs from all the previous research by others on this subject in that it analyzes the imported consumer goods distribution sector of Korea as a vertical structure. The distribution sector of an imported consumer good is a vertical structure since it consists of an international market, an import stage, and domestic wholesale and retail markets, in that order vertically. Our study naturally includes the analysis of the vertical restraints as well as the analysis of the industrial organization of each horizontal stage in the vertical structure. Each horizontal component of the imported consumer goods distribution sector is basically a monopolistically competitive market differentiated by characteristics of goods and by the locations and the services of firms. Further, restrictive dealership and resale price maintenance are found to be widely in use. Our main findings are the follwing; First, most consumer goods are imported monopolistically or oligopolistically through restrictive dealership contracts between foreign producers and domestic importers. Such restrictive dealership gives importers market power in the domestic market and explains many of the large discrepancies betwen the consumer prices and the import prices of many goods. Korean anti - trust law does not cover the issues arising from the market power of an importer resulting from a restrictive dealership contract. Second, some major producers of Korean goods are also importers of foreign goods that are substitutes of their products. The import of substitutes by major domestic producers is anti - competitive because it tends to raise the prices of both domestic goods and foreign goods, and also because it reduces the incentive of the domestic producers to raise the quality of their products. Third, wholesalers and retailers widely use resale price maintenance as a price fixing mechanism, and while this is against the anti- trust law, it seldom gets noticed. Fourth, the high level of rents of real estate for commercial use works as an entry barrier to the distribution sector and results in reduced competition by the firms in that sector. Finally, there are information problems. Consumers have inferior information to firms about the quality of a foreign consumer good that they have not tried before. Such information asymmetry often enables firms to raise prices. In addition, information asymmetry between importers frequently delays the import of cheaper substitutes. In order to alleviate the problems indentified above, we suggest the following policy changes. The government should strengthen the anti - trust law and its enforcement to regulate restrictive import contracts, import of competing goods by major domestic producers, and RPM by wholesalers and retailers that is aimed at price fixing. In addition, the government should loosen its tight real estate policy to encourage investment in the distribution sector. Finally, we suggest that the import price revelation policy that has been in use for some items since 1990 be expanded to most imported consumer goods that are introduced for the first time to give consumer better information and be used only for the period of time needed to inform sufficient number of consumers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of International Agriculture
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.475-484
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• 2011

International price of cereal has been dramatically increasing for the past few years. This price hike amplified the importance of food self-sufficiency in numerous countries due to the fact that food security is directly proportional to food self-sufficiency. In this study, we conducted a survey to provide useful information of Cambodia's agricultural environment to possible Korean agricultural investors and as to highlight Cambodia as a strong candidate for the establishment of Korea's foreign base for cereal production. The survey conducted includes information regarding Cambodia's agricultural environment and investment circumstances including the political, economical and other contributing factors affecting agricultural investment in Cambodia. Seventy percent of the Cambodia's total population engage in agriculture and this comprises about 30% of the country's GDP. This statistics reflects the possibility of Cambodia's poverty alleviation which proves that agriculture in Cambodia is the driving force for the improvement of the country's economy. In addition, low labor cost, fertile land, abundant water resources, like the Tonle sap lake and the Mekong river, and unreclaimed lands are the strong points that could attract agricultural investors to Cambodia. Poor infrastructure, irrigation systems, law reforms, including social and cultural differences may be the biggest setbacks for the acceleration of Cambodia's agriculture development. However, the Cambodian government is open and willing to make adjustments for Cambodia to be both foreign and domestic agricultural investor-friendly, expecting that it will boost its country's agricultural development. Making the best out of this opportunity, the coordination of KOICA with Korean agricultural investors in building infrastructures and with the help of the KOPIA program for the transfer of agricultural technology will benefit both countries and will play an important role in Cambodia's agriculture.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.259-273
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• 2017

This study is a meta-analysis of the articles published over the last 18 years from the first edition of the "International Commerce and Information Review" to December 2016. 1047 papers were published in "International Commerce and Information Review" until 2016. Many articles appeared in the order of electronic trade field, product and service innovation field, regional trade information field, trade law system field, and trade negotiation field. There are more than 15 major fields of authors who have published more than 20 papers."International Commerce and Information Review" is a multi-disciplinary journal by scholars in various major fields. Most of the authors belong to universities and the proportion of papers that receive research grants is 19.7%. 46 authors have published more than 5 papers in "International Commerce and Information Review", and their H-index is 5.6. Influence Index (IF) of the "International Commerce and Information Review" in 2016 is 1.02. The main keywords of the papers published in "International Commerce and Information Review" are e-commerce, Internet, service trade, China, e-trade, Korean Wave, FTA, SME and foreign direct investment.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.161-188
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• 2003

The purpose of this paper is to investigate CFZ(custom free zone) and FTZ(free trade zone) in Korean FTZ System and develop Masan Port in Korea Local Port. The main point of this discussion is to approach the efficient method ill developing Masan Port through comparison CFZ and FTZ. For this purpose, this paper is searched the present situation of logistics in Korea and Northeast Asia, also discussed the concept of FTZ in international status. Then CFZ accepted by Korean government started from the concept of FTZ and is the logistic-centered FTZ in the middle of three model, production-centerde model, production-logistic combination, and logistic-centered FTZ. But CFZ in centering logistic excepted the fundamental manufacture in Korean production. and is almost the same about other various sides, i. e. law and enforcement ordinance. etc This problem is decreasing the efficiency in Korean commercial system. Thus this paper indicate the view point and rightness of region economic through study of FTZ and CFZ in Masan Port. This paper says that FTZ is better then CFZ in Masan Port with comparing superior position about economic development direction, industrial structure, Foreign investment attraction, business fluctuation, national-local renovation. Therefore this paper concludes that the development of Masan Port needs the effort as follow : first, Masan Port must apply in enlarging FTA into Free Tree Area. Second, the government must develop the high-density and medium-small scale in Masan Port. Third, the local government must promote the amount of demand in Masan Port logistic. Forth, the government must actively propel great-sphere development in present Masan Port.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.193-209
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• 2016

The Mekong River is a river in the south-eastern part of the continent of Aisa. It flows through the countries of Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam that are located in Indochina and are members of ASEAN. These countries are growing rapidly and many others have entered into these markets. As the number of manufactures has increased, logistics markets become very attractive to our logistics companies that want to expand their business. This study focuses on four countries, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, which have potential economic growth and shows the environment of logistics with current logistics infrastructure and related investment law and system. The goal of this study to provide, with strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats(SWOT) analysis, some strategies to enter 4 countries' logistics market with SWOT and the strategies are as follows; First, foreign direct investment in logistics is linked with logistics infrastructure projects. Our government should strengthen its role to find cooperation programs that make connect with logistics business. Second, a logistics company is better off in a consortium with other manufacturers or other logistics companies to ensure minimum cargo and reduce entry risks. Finally, the four countries' roles as a logistics bases need to divided according to their environments, to benefits of logistics connecting between India and China.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.121-145
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• 2008

Northeast Asia is increasingly making a transition to distinctive and crucial region in the 21st Century and growing into one of world's top three economic spheres along with the EU and NAFTA. In 2003, Korean government announced the Northeast Asian economic hub country plan as an important agenda. As a means of coping with the changing global environment, Korean government designated Incheon in 2003 as the country's first Free Economic Zone ahead of Busan and Gwangyang Bay in the south of the country because Incheon has a geographical advantage linking North America and Europe with Incheon International Airport and Incheon Seaport. The purpose of this paper is to make research on establishment and operation of an arbitral body entitled ${\ulcorner}International Arbitration Center{\lrcorner}$ (IAC) within Incheon Free Economic Zone(IFEZ). For the purpose of this, the writer in this paper, reviewed the necessity of the IAC's establishment and its legal basis as well as the role and function of the Center. Also, the writer presented plans for how to operate the IAC and how to cooperate with the key arbitral organizations of foreign countries for the settlement promotion of commercial disputes including trade and investment. With development of the IFEZ, world-renowned enterprises will invest in the Incheon economic bloc and conduct economic activities, business operation, marketing, logistics, financing, etc. In this connection, diverse types of commercial disputes are expected to occur between foreign companies entering the IFEZ and Korean firms. In this connection, the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board(KCAB) has been operating its liaison office in the IFEZ since 2004. However, in view of the increasing arbitration demand, the IAC should be set up in the IFEZ in the near future by the positive support of the government in the respect of both administration and finance because the free economic zone-related law provides for the installation of arbitration organization. For the success of the IAC, the Center will have to provide not only good quality of arbitral services that can satisfy arbitration parties but also need to conduct researches and make efforts so that arbitration can be utilized well in the IFEZ. If the IFEZ can provide advantageous business environments to those multinational enterprises intending to the Incheon economic bloc, the IAC will also contribute to the settlement of commercial disputes arising from the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in North Korea in view of the geographical advantage and logistic benefit of the IFEZ. Finally, this paper also suggests a new model for a joint dispute resolution system by the initiative of Korean government and Korean arbitral organizations for the settlement of commercial disputes within Northeast Asia, for which the CAMCA(Commercial Arbitration and Mediation Center for the Americas) of NAFTA can be a good example.

• THE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE & LAW REVIEW
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• v.45
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• pp.191-238
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• 2010

The purpose of this paper is to make research on the trend of the worldwide medical device market, the trend of the medical device market in the major foreign countries, the present status of the medical device industry in Korea and Gangwon area, the present status of export competitive power and the SWOT analysis of competitive power of the medical device industry in Gangwon area, and the strengthening methods of export competitive power of the medical device industry in Gangwon area. As the research method, the questionaire for the strengthening of export competitive power of the medical device industry in Gangwon area was carried out from August 13 to Otober 22, 2009. The worldwide medical device market in 2008 is estimated at USD 210.2 billion, with the United States being the largest market, followed closely by Japan and Western Europe. In 2006, the worldwide export amount of medical devices recorded USD 121.1 billion and the worldwide import amount of medical devices recorded USD 126.3 billion. As of the end of 2008, the number of Korea's medical device manufacturers expanded to 1,726. The production amount of Korea's medical device industry in 2008 recorded 2,525 billion won, and the domestic market volume of medical devices in 2008 recorded 3,618 billion won. Korea's export amount of medical devices in 2008 recorded USD 1,132 million and recorded a 9.67% growth compared to the previous year, and the import amount of medical devices recorded USD 2,123 million and recorded a 1.43% reduction compared to the previous year. As of the end of 2008, the number of Gangwon area's medical device manufacturers expanded to 81. The production amount of Gangwon area's medical industry in 2008 recorded 380 billion won, and Gangwon area's export amount of medical devices recorded USD 269 million and recorded a 0.25% reduction compared to the previous year, and the import amount of medical devices recorded USD 3 million and recorded a 39.63% reduction compared to the previous year. According to the result analysis of the questionaire for the strengthening of export competitive power of medical device industry in Gangwon area(August 13~October 22, 2009), the competing country of the export medical device is the United States being the highest ranking. Comparing to the collective competitive power level 100 of the competing country, the collective competitive level of the export medical device is 60 below and 70-80 below being the highest ranking. Comparing to the quality level 100 of the United States, EU and Japan, the quality level of the export medical device is 80-90 below being the highest ranking. Comparing to the design level 100 of the United States, EU and Japan, the design level of the export medical device is 90-100 below being the highest ranking. Comparing to the technology level 100 of the United States, EU and Japan, the technology level of the export medical device is 80-90 below being the highest ranking. According to the SWOT analysis of competitive power of medical device industry in Gangwon area, the strength is the abundant expert manpower of the medical device in Wonju area. The weakness is the fragility of the brand recognition of the medical device industry. The opportunity is the demand increase of the new medical device owing to the advanced age of population. The threat is the difficulty of entry into overseas market owing to the request of the new specification certification of the medical device. In order to strengthen the export competitive power of the medical device industry in Gangwon area, the following measures should be taken by the government, local self-government body, related organization and medical device industry : the development of new technology and design, the enhancement of brand recognition. the acquisition of the foreign specification certification, the building of overseas distribution channel and after sales service channel, the positive participation in overseas medical device exhibition and opening of medical device exhibition, the training of expert manpower, the strengthening of overseas marketing, and the application of FTA and the establishment of counter measures against FTA. In conclusion, the medical device industry in Gangwon area has the difficulty in the entry into the overseas market owing to the shortage of overseas marketing capability. Therefore, the government and local self-government body should make the intensive and systematical support for overseas marketing of the medical device industry. For the support of overseas marketing, the government and local self-government body should provide positively the support of expenses for the acquisition of foreign specification certification, the support of participation in the overseas medical device exhibition, the despatch of market development mission, the increase of the support amount for R&D investment fund, and the training of expert manpower of medical devices.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.215-235
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• 2024

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology is recognized as a key technology that will determine future national competitiveness, competition for AI technology and industry promotion policies in major countries is intensifying. This study aims to present implications for domestic policy making by analyzing the policies of major countries on the start-up of AI companies, which are the basis of the AI industry ecosystem. The top four countries and the EU for the number of new investment attraction companies in the 2023 AI Index announced by the HAI Research Institute at Stanford University in the United States were selected, The United States enacted the National AI Initiative Act (NAIIA) in 2021. Through this law, The US Government is promoting continued leadership in the United States in AI R&D, developing reliable AI systems in the public and private sectors, building an AI system ecosystem across society, and strengthening DB management and access to AI policies conducted by all federal agencies. In the 14th Five-Year (2021-2025) Plan and 2035 Long-term Goals held in 2021, China has specified AI as the first of the seven strategic high-tech technologies, and is developing policies aimed at becoming the No. 1 AI global powerhouse by 2030. The UK is investing in innovative R&D companies through the 'Future Fund Breakthrough' in 2021, and is expanding related investments by preparing national strategies to leap forward as AI leaders, such as the implementation plan of the national AI strategy in 2022. Israel is supporting technology investment in start-up companies centered on the Innovation Agency, and the Innovation Agency is leading mid- to long-term investments of 2 to 15 years and regulatory reforms for new technologies. The EU is strengthening its digital innovation hub network and creating the InvestEU (European Strategic Investment Fund) and AI investment fund to support the use of AI by SMEs. This study aims to contribute to analyzing the policies of major foreign countries in making AI company start-up policies and providing a basis for Korea's strategy search. The limitations of the study are the limitations of the countries to be analyzed and the failure to attempt comparative analysis of the policy environments of the countries under the same conditions.

• International Area Studies Review
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.3-27
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• 2018

This paper analyzes Cuba's market-oriented reforms to alleviate essential problems with socialist countries such as soft budget constraints and incentive problems. It also discuss about effectiveness of industrial policy as a development strategy. The soft budget constraints and incentive problems resulted in the collapse of Soviet bloc and COMECON in early 1990s. After the collapse, Cuban economy suffered a steep dive, and national income tumbling down rapidly. Cuban faced serious shortages of food, gasoline, and other basic necessities of life. To halt and partially reverse economic downturn and dire austerity in the 1990's, the Cuban government made some partial reforms to the inherited Soviet system of cental planningand faced severe shortage in food, energy, and daily necessities. In response to the economic crisis. Cuba introduced economic reforms and implemented industrial policy as a development strategy as long as Cuba maintained a strong socialist country. Cuban government established the economic free zone law and attempted to induce foreign direct investment by implementing export-led industrial policy. Fiedel Castro approved the Law No. 165 "Free Zones and Industrial Parks", in 1996. However, Cuba's ESZ strategy seems to have failed because of the U.S. sanctions, but also because of Cuba's own policies, which do not allow foreign investors to hire workers directly and impose a high implicit tax on wages. By limiting advanced techniques of personnel and organization management, indirect employment can result in lowering work efforts and productivity of workers, and aggravating production efficiency in the ESZs. Another reason to fail comes from the double wage structure due to the double monetary-exchange rate system. Most of the high non-wage costs result from the double exchange rate system. Due to Cuba's imbalanced industry and production structures, concentrated labor force, and urbanization and centralization of agriculture production, the industrial transformation development model suggested by Lewis has not been successful unlike other Asian agriculture-led development model. Cuba has to overcome many difficulties in implementing industrial policy as a development strategy.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.509-516
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• 2020

Korea has gradually been developing port distriparks in major domestic trade ports to diversify their function and create added-value. New tenant companies are needed to help achieve these goals, but no research has been done on selection criteria. To provide such criteria, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the productivity of tenant companies in Busan New Port Distripark based on their characteristics. SFP (single-factor productivity) was measured using the operational data of 67 companies in the distripark over the past - three years (2017-2019). The results indicate that the logistics business and the manufacturing business have strengths in cargo volume productivity and in sales productivity respectively. Also, Northern distripark, a relatively older facility, was found to be more productive than Ung-dong distripark. Finally, the effect of investment-both foreign and in FAC/EQ (facility and equipment)-on productivity showed an inverse relationship with productivity, with the companies with under-average investments being more productive than those whose investments were above average. Therefore, to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of port distriparks, tenant companies must be subject to supplemented system and law for increasing employment and cargo volume, and reestablished selection criteria.