What Benefits and Challenges Does a Global Value Chain Bring to the World? World Development Report 2020 Seminar Held

Aaditya Mattoo, co-director of the WDR 2020 and chief economist for the East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank gave the keynote lecture at the seminar, including an overview of the report. Mattoo pointed out that one way a GVC differs from conventional trade is that it promoted a structure that creates products through hyper-specialization. He explained that, because companies participating in the GVC can increase their specialization in a specific parts components or technology, they acquire the ability to compete in the international market in that area. In addition, the transaction that takes place in GVC creates firm-to-firm relationships, so it is possible to create lasting relationships if the business goes well. Due to these characteristics, productivity improves and employment expands when small and medium-sized companies in developing countries participate in the GVC, leading to reduced poverty. Mattoo raised Vietnam as an example, where some regions participating in GVC are seeing a faster decrease in poverty than those not participating.

After the keynote lecture, Hosono commented on the impact of a GVC on the environment. He mentioned that the WDR 2020 addressed the "circular electronics value chain," that uses waste in the electronics industry (e-waste). He said that it is a model of sustainability and we should deepen related research and make a circular economy a mainstream. In addition, he introduced the examples of a Japanese company that engages in the used automobile parts export business and of a cooperative established by Japanese immigrants that promotes agro-forestry in Tomé-Açu, Brazil as efforts in enhancing circular economy and green economy through value chains. Further, Hosono said that because it is becoming more difficult for the small and medium-sized companies in developing countries to participate in the GVC, it is necessary to strengthen the link between the global companies placing orders and the local supply chain, creating systems in which not only companies, but also governments, NGOs and a variety of other actors, can collaborate.

Ohno served as moderator in the panel discussion that followed, in which she raised the question of whether the policy space that makes it possible for the governments of developing countries to develop and expand industry is shrinking with the current increased impact of global corporations. During Q&A, questions from those in attendance included "Is it the right decision for developing countries that have limited industries, such as in Africa, to participate in the GVC?" and there was a lively exchange of opinions.