RESEARCH ON ISSUES AND COUNTERMEASURES OF AGRICULTURAL OPENING-UP IN LIAONING, CHINA UNDER THE “BELT AND ROAD” INITIATIVE
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the current status, structural constraints, and development prospects of international agricultural opening-up in Liaoning Province within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As the only coastal province in Northeast China and a strategically positioned node, Liaoning possesses significant geographical advantages and rich agricultural resources. However, despite these endowments, the province’s agricultural sector encounters persistent structural constraints that limit its ability to translate comparative advantages into sustainable competitive advantages in international markets. The research employs a mixed-methods approach integrating quantitative analysis of trade data from 2015 to 2023 with qualitative case studies and a systematic literature review. Quantitative techniques include descriptive statistics to characterize export trajectories, comparative analysis against national averages, and market concentration measurements to assess diversification.
The findings reveal a complex picture of achievements alongside persistent structural problems. Regarding export performance, Liaoning’s agricultural export value demonstrated growth until 2019, followed by a contraction during the COVID-19 pandemic and a recovery starting in 2022. However, the province’s share of national agricultural exports has declined, indicating a relative loss of competitiveness. Analysis of the export structure reveals a heavy concentration in primary products with limited processing intensity, particularly aquatic products. Market diversification analysis indicates that while exports now span over 100 regions, concentration in traditional markets like Japan, the United States, and South Korea persists. The research identifies three major categories of constraints: industrial competitiveness deficiencies characterized by low value-added products, cooperation model limitations including enterprise capability gaps, and support system inadequacies in logistics and human capital.
Drawing on global value chain theory and international perspectives on green barriers and digital transformation, the study proposes comprehensive countermeasures. These include enhancing industrial competitiveness through high-value product clusters, deepening cooperation models through enterprise consolidation and digital traceability, and improving support systems by developing cold-chain logistics and innovative financial products. The study makes several original contributions by providing a systematic diagnosis of Liaoning’s agricultural opening-up through the lens of value chain upgrading. It integrates international perspectives on emerging challenges and strengthens the micro-level analysis of enterprise constraints. Ultimately, the research concludes that achieving high-quality agricultural opening-up requires a coordinated effort to transform regional advantages into a sustainable international strategy, contributing to both academic understanding and practical policy development for Liaoning’s revitalization.
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