Graduate School of Economics and Management, Tohoku University

Professor, Graduate School of Economics and Management, Tohoku University

Special economic zones (SEZs) have played an important role in developing China’s economy. However, few researchers examine its importance in shaping China’s urban population. This study empirically examines the impacts of SEZs on permanent urban migration in China, where the registered residential location determines a large portion of social welfare. Using the difference-in-differences approach and a specific set of urban region data, we obtain results undiscovered in previous research on regional economic policies’ impacts on migration. In particular, establishing SEZs has positive but time-lagged impacts on permanent migration to urban regions.