Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Karim Hamza Author-Workplace-Name: American University in Cairo, Egypt Title: Strengthening national competitiveness: The evolution of economic clusters in Egypt Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Purpose: This paper examines the evolution of clusters and economic zone policies in Egypt and assesses their role in improving national competitiveness. Further, it provides insights to developing countries like Egypt on how to strengthen their national competitiveness by effectively leveraging clusters and economic agglomeration policies, such as economic zones. Methodology: The paper critically analyzes existing literature on modern cluster policies and economic zones, illustrating the evolution of economic cluster policies in Egypt. It also evaluates the contribution and impact of economic zones on improving national competitiveness. Findings: Despite recent policy reforms in implementing an economic cluster-based strategy, particularly economic zones, several constraints prevent these economic zones from fully reaching their potential to attract foreign investment and address the national trade deficit in Egypt. While these economic zones increased exports, they didn't sufficiently reduce the national trade deficit. Moreover, the Egyptian Government faces an increasing challenge in maintaining Egypt's position as a leading investment destination in North Africa and the wider region, mainly in front of the face of the increased competition from other emerging economies. Implications: Egypt's recent attempts to implement an economic cluster-based strategy for enhancing national competitiveness highlight the need for closer alignment between the country's economic national strategies, including Egypt's Vision 2030, National Investment Plan, Trade and Industry Development Strategy 2016-2020, and National SME and Export Development Strategies, with the objectives of the economic zone. Originality: This study contributes to understanding how to strengthen national competitiveness in developing countries by examining the evolution of clusters and economic zones in Egypt. It provides valuable insights for academic researchers and policymakers seeking to enhance national competitiveness through strategic economic policies. Limitations and directions for future research: Further research on the impact of economic clusters on leveraging national competitiveness in Egypt could significantly improve related policymaking. Comparative analyses of other countries' experiences could also provide valuable lessons for policy formulation. Keywords: National competitiveness; Clusters; Economic agglomeration; Economic zones; Egypt; Economic reform; Developing countries; Emerging economies Journal: Journal of Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Social Sciences Pages: 1-14 Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Year: 2025 Month: June DOI: 10.62458/jafess1011 File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/view/80 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/download/80/66 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:euj:jafess:v:10:y:2025:i:1:id:80 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Murat Akpinar Author-Workplace-Name: JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland Title: Conceptualizing competitiveness in the 21st century in the context of developing countries Publication-Status: Published Abstract: This editorial article highlights the critical social, environmental, and political challenges of the 21st century and discusses the necessity of redefining the concept of competitiveness beyond a purely economic perspective. The commentary provides an overview and synthesis of the four articles published in the first issue of the 10th volume of the Journal of Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Social Sciences (JAFESS), offering insights specifically tailored to the sustainable development needs of developing countries, particularly within Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Journal: Journal of Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Social Sciences Pages: i-iii Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Year: 2025 Month: June DOI: 10.62458/jafess101mrt1 File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/view/189 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/download/189/121 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:euj:jafess:v:10:y:2025:i:1:id:189 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Huseyin Güngör Author-Workplace-Name: University of Amsterdam Business School, Netherlands Title: Exploring ESG dimensions in Cambodia: Findings from various industries Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Purpose: This study explores the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across various industries in Cambodia, aiming to assess current adoption levels, key challenges, and professional perceptions. Methodology: The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining industry assessments, surveys with business professionals, and expert interviews to gather quantitative and qualitative insights. Findings: The results show that while corporate ESG disclosures are generally above average, significant governance transparency and environmental accountability gaps exist. The survey responses indicate skepticism among professionals about the authenticity of ESG commitments, suggesting a potential risk of greenwashing. Expert interviews confirm that ESG awareness is growing, but practical implementation remains limited due to regulatory shortcomings and resource constraints. Implications: The findings emphasize stronger ESG regulations, transparent reporting standards, and enhanced stakeholder engagement to support meaningful corporate sustainability in Cambodia. Originality: This study addresses a notable gap in ESG literature focused on emerging markets, offering industry-specific insights and actionable policy and corporate strategy recommendations. Limitations and directions for future research: Using self-reported data and qualitative assessments may introduce bias. Future research should consider longitudinal designs and cross-country comparisons to monitor ESG progress. Keywords: ESG; Cambodia; Corporate sustainability; Greenwashing; Emerging markets Journal: Journal of Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Social Sciences Pages: 15-28 Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Year: 2025 Month: June DOI: 10.62458/jafess1012xyz File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/view/83 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/download/83/70 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:euj:jafess:v:10:y:2025:i:1:id:83 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Rido Thath Author-Workplace-Name: CamEd Business School, Cambodia Title: The rise in food prices and the export of milled rice in the greater mekong subregion Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Purpose: This study examines how responsive the exports of milled rice are to rising food prices in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Methodology: The research employed panel data regression models, including Fixed Effects and Random Effects, and the Pooled Ordinary Least Squares to examine data spanning from 1996 to 2020 for three countries in the subregion: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Findings: The results show that milled rice exports from the subregion were responsive to the food price surge of 2008-2009, i.e., exports increased following the price surge. In addition, the production of rice was found to be positively associated with exports.  Implications: The findings emphasize the importance of milled rice exports in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The responsiveness of rice exports to the price surge implies that exporters are ready to increase exports constantly. This provides policymakers with inputs to formulate policies and strategies to increase exports for stabilizing food prices and increasing rice farmers’ income. Originality: The study contributes to the existing body of literature, providing new evidence of the milled rice exports responding to the food price surge by looking into the major rice-exporting countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Limitations and directions for future research: The study is not free from limitation due to the unavailability of data, leading to the exclusion of two countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The generalizability of the findings may be limited within this region, therefore, setting directions for future empirical studies to incorporate major rice-exporting countries in other regions. Keywords: Rice export; Food price crisis; Greater Mekong Subregion Journal: Journal of Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Social Sciences Pages: 29-38 Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Year: 2025 Month: June DOI: 10.62458/jafess1013xyz File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/view/84 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/download/84/71 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:euj:jafess:v:10:y:2025:i:1:id:84 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ron James D. Ortiz Author-Workplace-Name: University of the Philippines Los Baños Author-Name: Melissa P. Ferido Author-Workplace-Name: University of the Philippines Los Baños Author-Name: Rufo Gil Z. Albor Author-Workplace-Name: University of the Philippines Los Baños Author-Name: Inero V. Ancho Author-Workplace-Name: University of the Philippines Los Baños Author-Name: Abriel S. Bulasag Author-Workplace-Name: University of the Philippines Los Baños Author-Name: Phrygian P. Almeda Author-Workplace-Name: University of the Philippines Los Baños Author-Name: Kylie Embree F. Celzo Author-Workplace-Name: University of the Philippines Los Baños Title: Positive effects of perceived quality of parent-adolescent communication on academic motivation and achievement of adolescents Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Purpose: This study investigates how the perceived quality of parent-adolescent communication influences academic motivation and achievement among students in a high-stakes academic setting. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, involving 278 students from Grades 7 to 10 at a competitive public secondary school in the Philippines. Data were collected using the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale and the Deo-Mohan Academic Achievement Motivation Scale. The study assessed academic achievement using students' general weighted averages. Stratified random sampling ensured proportional representation across year levels, and multi-category logistic regression was used to examine the effects of communication quality on academic outcomes. Findings: High-quality parent-adolescent communication had a statistically significant positive effect on academic motivation and achievement. Conversely, low-quality communication had a more negative impact on motivation than on achievement. The findings support the Self-Determination Theory, suggesting that supportive communication satisfies adolescents' psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, thereby enhancing intrinsic motivation and performance. Implications: The study highlights the importance of parenting programs that promote open, empathetic, and autonomy-supportive communication. Educators and policymakers should consider integrating family communication initiatives into academic support systems to enhance student outcomes, particularly in high-pressure school environments. Originality: This study contributes to the literature by isolating communication quality as a specific dimension of parental involvement and examining its role within a highly competitive academic context. Limitations and directions for future research: The findings are limited to a single school and do not distinguish between maternal and paternal communication. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and explore the effects of specific communication styles. Keywords: Parent-Adolescent communication; Academic motivation; Academic achievement; Self-Determination theory; Supportive parenting; High-Stakes education Journal: Journal of Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Social Sciences Pages: 39-54 Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Year: 2025 Month: June DOI: 10.62458/jafess1014ortizetal File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/view/85 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://jafess.com/index.php/home/article/download/85/99 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:euj:jafess:v:10:y:2025:i:1:id:85