Chile's far northern and southern regions - the "zonas extremas" - host two strategically important free zones. From October 2016 to March 2017, the World Bank retained Locus Economica to assist the Chilean Ministry of Finance, as well as several regional and local entities, with efforts to improve the free zones programs. ...
Improving the Laws and Institutions Governing Special Economic Zones in Rwanda
Diagnosing Peru's Special Economic Zones against International Best Practices
The World Bank requested Locus Economica's assistance to analyze Peru's special economic zones (SEZs) and provide policy options in late 2015. Peru has multiple overlapping zones laws, all designed to promote industrialization in key sectors. Four of the country's seven zones are operational and attract investment through a combination of fiscal incentives and duty free treatment of imports.
We assisted the Peruvian government by ...
Modernizing Kenya's Special Economic Zones Law and Regulations
Under multiple assignments for the World Bank since 2013, Locus Economica has been working closely with the Kenyan Ministry of Industrialisation and Enterprise Development and with Parliament to help facilitate the drafting of a new special economic zones law and implementing regulations. The law represents a critical departure from...
Ethiopia Special Economic Zone Policy and Legal Framework
Leveraging Lao SEZs to Promote Regional Integration and Attract Investment
The government of Laos has requested that Locus Economica assist it with the development of its new special economic zone program as part of a technical assistance package from the Government of Germany (GIZ). We have been helping identify fundamental market gaps in Laos and evaluating how SEZs can address those gaps. ...
Harnessing Global Opportunities through Special Economic Zones in Pakistan
In 2015 the Punjab Board of Trade and Investment and the Pakistani Ministry of Commerce reached out to Locus Economica for assistance on revisions to its special economic zones (SEZ) program. Working in coordination with the World Bank Jobs and Competitiveness Program, we led workshops with Pakistani government officials, consulted with stakeholders on the context and priorities for the zones program, and thoroughly reviewed and gave recommendations on Pakistan's current SEZ policy, laws, institutions, and plans for specific sites.
Revitalizing Mexico's South through Special Economic Zones
Locus Economica provided technical assistance to the Government of Mexico in 2015 on the development of a special economic zones program. President Nieto announced the program to combat serious poverty and crime in the southern states of Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. The zones are intended to improve conditions in these states by attracting new investment, creating jobs, developing supply chains with the local economy, and improving infrastructure. ...
EU Business Forum: Improving Investment and the Business Environment in Ethiopia
Madagascar Diagnostic Trade and Investment Study
Assessing the Feasibility of Kuwait Economic Zones
In 2013 and 2014, the World Bank contracted Locus Economica to peer review feasibility studies being prepared by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill regarding the development of special economic zones in Kuwait. These studies were enhanced and augmented in line with international standards based on Locus Economica's recommendations.
Saudi Arabia Special Economic Zones Policy Review
In 2012-2013, the World Bank retained Locus Economica to update 2007 and 2011 assessments of the Kingdom’s various spatial development policies for its Ministry of Finance. Specifically, the firm reviewed existing policies and programs to identifying any policy gaps they might have and to recommending new measures as they move forward. Locus Economica staff traveled to a variety of zones around the country including...
Assessing the Feasibility of a Green-Tech SEZ in South Africa
South Africa is developing the Atlantis SEZ to simultaneously revitalize the distressed area of Atlantis, Northern Cape Province, and promote clean-energy industries. The new SEZ hopes to attract...
Mapping Opportunities in Botswana for Special Economic Zone Development
One of the most common reasons for the failure of a special economic zone (SEZ) is poor location. For that reason, Locus Economica, in partnership with Kaiser Associates, undertook an assignment for the Botswana Ministry of Trade and Industry to identify the areas of the country with the greatest potential for success if designated as an SEZ....
Feasibility Study for Uganda's Infrastructure Fund and Bond Program
In 2011 Locus Economica was contracted through Deloitte and USAID to assist the government of Uganda by assessing the feasibility of a public-private infrastructure fund and bonds program. It also assessed Uganda's legal and regulatory environment to determine the viability of foreign and domestic investment and advised on the possibilities for SEZ development.
