Offshoring Manufacturing to China: Western MNC Strategies (1990–2010)

1. China designates Shenzhen as a Special Economic Zone

   Aug 26, 1980Labels: Shenzhen SEZ, China government

   • NPC SEZ

2. Foxconn opens major Shenzhen plant, enabling EMS model

   Jan 1, 1988Labels: Foxconn, Shenzhen plant

   • Foxconn

3. Deng’s 1992 “Southern Tour” accelerates reform drive

   Jan 1, 1992Labels: Deng Xiaoping, Southern Tour

   • Britannica

4. China unifies exchange rate in major 1994 reform

   Jan 1, 1994Labels: Exchange rate, Chinese government

   • IMF Paper

5. China’s 1995 Labour Law takes effect nationwide

   Jan 1, 1995Labels: Labour Law, Chinese government

   • Labour Law

6. WTO hails U.S.–China 1999 accession agreement

   Nov 15, 1999Labels: US China, WTO accession

   • WTO PR148
   • WH Summary

7. U.S. passes law enabling PNTR for China

   Oct 10, 2000Labels: PNTR law, United States

   • Congress gov
   • USC Act

8. WTO negotiations on China’s entry conclude

   Sep 17, 2001Labels: WTO negotiations, China accession

   • WTO PR243

9. China becomes WTO member, integrating into global trade rules

   Dec 11, 2001Labels: China WTO, WTO

   • WTO Doha
   • WTO China

10. China’s 2008 Labour Contract Law raises formal employment obligations

    Jan 1, 2008Labels: Labour Contract, Chinese government

    • LCL China
    • LoC Monitor

11. Global financial crisis shocks export demand, testing China-centered supply chains

    Nov 9, 2008Labels: Global financial, China stimulus

    • Energy 2010

12. China’s exports rebound, reinforcing China’s central role in manufacturing

    Jan 1, 2010Labels: China exports, Manufacturing hub

    • China White