PM Network recently featured Locus Economica Founder and CEO Jean-Paul Gauthier on the key factors for success or failure of special economic zones (SEZs). Jean-Paul explained that initial startup costs of an SEZ can run over US$ 1 billion, but that these costs can be recovered if certain best practices are followed - such as reliance on the private sector. Jean-Paul also noted the importance of balancing flexible labor negotiation rules with effective worker protections to build broad-based support for SEZs.