Examining the Economic Effects of Logistics Infrastructure: The Case of New Western Land-Sea Corridor in China

Purpose: To examine the economic effects of logistics under the influence of policies. Research design, data and methodology: This study is the first to use the panel data of 31 provinces and municipalities in China from 2012 to 2021, and use the OLS and DID models to evaluate whether the New Western Land-Sea Corridor (NWLSC) has promoted the economic development of the regions along the corridor. Results: The NWLSC has stimulated local economic growth by promoting the development of transportation, postal, and telecommunications industries along the corridor. Further, considering the locational differences of the regions along the NWLSC, we examined the differences in economic effects between regions along the Yangtze River and those not along the Yangtze River under the background of NWLSC implementation. We found that waterway and airway transport located along the NWLSC and in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) region can significantly promote economic growth. However, for regions located along the NWLSC but not in the YREB region, the impact of roadway, railway, and airway transport in these regions on economic growth is more significant. Conclusions: This study has important reference value on how to use logistics to promote the economic and cross-border commerce development of landlocked countries or regions.