Policy Evaluation on the Construction of Logistics Center City Based on a Difference-in-Differences Approach: A Case Study of Shenzhen

Policies play an important role in constructing the Logistics Center City. Employing a difference-in-differences approach, we evaluate the impact of the Shenzhen Modern Logistics Infrastructure System Construction Strategy (2021–2035) and Action Plan on the development of the logistics industry and the construction of Logistics Center City in Shenzhen since its implementation. The data for the study came from the municipality’s statistical report. We select and design explanatory and control variables from multiple dimensions, including total freight volume, throughput, passenger volume, among others. Our findings indicate that the treatment group has experienced a significant increase in total freight volume under the influence of policy incentives compared to the pre-policy period and when contrasted with the control group. The results based on double differencing show that the total amount of freight transportation is significantly and positively affected by the policy influence.