Complex vertical FDI and firm heterogeneity: Evidence from East Asia

This study statistically tests the validity of the mechanics of complex vertical foreign direct investment (C-VFDI) in Japanese machinery FDI to East Asia by estimating a multiple-spatial lag model. From a theoretical perspective regarding C-VFDI, the production activity of affiliates in a given country is positively related to the production activity in neighboring countries that have large differences in factor prices with the given country. Furthermore, high-productivity firms are likely to choose a C-VFDI strategy. Our empirical results show no robust geographical relationship among affiliates' activities. However, the significantly positive relationship in wage differentials among those activities is found only for high-productivity firms.