Impact of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) on Labor in Latin America with a Focuson Gender

摘要

The effect of export processing zones (EPZs) on labor markets (particularlywomen) in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico is studied in this report. The first section discusses the legal and regulatory framework of EPZs generally. Section II summarizes the literature on labor markets, particularly with regard to female employment. This section covers only the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Section III discusses the policy literature, and Section IV discusses recommended studies. Appendices present tables summarizing the available data on labor market aspects of Latin American EPZs. The report concludes that firms are attracted to Latin American EPZs principally because wages are low by international standards, and the EPZ allows firms to avoid tariff and non-tariff import barriers, and, perhaps, to avoid unionization.