Project Abstract

Abstract
Export Processing Zones (EPZs) have become a significant tool for promoting economic integration in West African countries. This research project aims to investigate the impact of the EPZ in Calabar on the economic integration of West African countries. The EPZ in Calabar serves as a case study to understand the effectiveness of such zones in fostering economic cooperation and integration among countries in the region. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the EPZ in Calabar. Data will be gathered through interviews with key stakeholders, surveys of businesses operating within the EPZ, and analysis of relevant economic indicators. The qualitative data will offer insights into the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders, while the quantitative analysis will provide empirical evidence of the economic effects of the EPZ. The research will focus on various aspects of economic integration, including trade facilitation, investment promotion, job creation, and technology transfer. By examining these factors, the study aims to assess the extent to which the EPZ in Calabar has contributed to the economic integration of West African countries. The findings will shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of the EPZ model and provide valuable lessons for policymakers and practitioners seeking to promote regional economic cooperation. The results of the study are expected to contribute to the existing body of literature on EPZs and economic integration in West Africa. The findings will provide insights into the effectiveness of EPZs as a tool for fostering economic cooperation and integration among countries in the region. Additionally, the research will offer practical recommendations for enhancing the impact of EPZs on economic integration, including policy reforms and institutional improvements. Overall, this research project seeks to deepen our understanding of the role of EPZs in promoting economic integration in West Africa. By focusing on the case study of the EPZ in Calabar, the study aims to provide valuable insights that can inform policy decisions and strategies aimed at strengthening economic cooperation among West African countries.

Project Overview

In this research project Export Processing Zone (EPZ) is defined as zone designed and designated by the Government of a nation, to attract local foreign investment towards industrial development of export purposes. EPZ enterprises and developers enjoy a liberal operating environment with range of incentive provided by the EPZ Act (such as long period of tax holiday, high quality infrastructural at the zone etc) which enterprises outside the zone do not enjoy at the same rate.

Enterprises and projects to be operated within EZP are usually assessed based on the job creation, non-traditional export product development, technology transfer and training of workers, incremental productive investment and backward linkage with the nation economy. EZP Calabar is used in this project as a case study to appraise the impact of EZP in economic integration of West African countries.

The dissertation has focused on making theoretical and practical contribution to the impact of EZP not only in the West African sub region but generally in countries of the world, this study has been designed to weigh the costs relative to benefits of an EZP as a tool for economic development.

Various relevant literature, on ideas, studies and write-ups were used for this research topic, they were all blended together under different headings in the study to shed light on the impact of export: processing zones towards the economic development of a nation.

Specific; issues were dealt with such as re-statement of the research questions, the research design, characteristics of the study population, population and sampling, techniques of data collection, questionnaire assumption, questionnaire administration concept of reliability and procedure for processing and analyzing data.

Special analysis of the quest were made and the responses obtained in view of the need to answer the research questions were developed in chapter one of this study using percentage calculation as mat tools hr. analysis.

Various findings, suggestions and recommendations of immense benefits were revealed in the last chapter of this dissertation.

This study is a worthwhile exercise, knowledge impact, having theoretical and practical significance, which has provided insight on the Calabar EZP as a tool in fostering economic integration among countries of West African sub-region.