Time：10：00 ～ 11:30, 28.Oct，2016（Friday）

Site：EMS B253

Abstract：This study examines the impact of dramatic expansion in highway infrastructure on firm’s exports performance and productivity in China during the period of 2000-2006. We construct firm level measure of highway density and (inverse) distance to nearest highway by using detailed GIS information of highways and firms. We also use geographic features as instrument for highway access to deal with endogeneity issue. We find that highway construction in China played an important role in promoting firms’ exports and productivity. Moreover, highways have heterogeneous impacts on firms, with less productive firms benefit more from highway access. Moreover, we investigate the potential mechanisms, such as market potential, agglomeration and competition.