Accelerating Reforms in Myanmar through the Special Economic Zones Law

Myanmar's new SEZ program was launched to advance its economic reforms, which expanded foreign investment, export-oriented production, and job creation. From May-June 2012, Locus Economica assisted these efforts by helping draft a new SEZ law for the government as part of the International Finance Corporation's...

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....

Analysis of South Africa's Special Economic Zone Bill and Associated Conference Presentations

In 2011 Locus Economica consulted South Africa's Centre for Development and Enterprise and the Department of Trade and Industry on South Africa's SEZ Bill and on its Industrial Development Zones (IDZs). Our work focused on...

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.

Advising the South African Department of Trade and Industry on SEZ Best Practices

South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry contracted Locus Economica to provide advice on the development of the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ). We shared best practices in special economic zone master planning...

Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Locus Economica Director and resident operations specialist, Chuck Heath served as Managing Director of the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai until 2011.  He continues to serve clients with the many vital lessons learned during his time there. ...

Reviewing and Redrafting Rwanda's SEZ Laws and Regulations in Line with International Best Practices

In 2011, the International Finance Corporation (World Bank) asked Locus Economica to help improve Rwanda's SEZ legal framework. He conducted a substantive technical review and offered proposed redrafts of several of the implementing regulations for Rwanda's new SEZ law.

Panamá Pacífico Special Economic Area

Panamá Pacífico Special Economic Area

From 2001-2007, Locus Economica founder and Managing Director Jean-Paul Gauthier was contracted by the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) to advise on utilizing the 2,500-hectare area around the Howard Air Force Base, located across the canal from Panama City.  ...

Aqaba Special Economic Zone, Jordan

Aqaba Special Economic Zone, Jordan

Beginning in 1999, Locus CEO Jean-Paul Gauthier was instrumental in helping the government of Jordan transform the city of Aqaba into a thriving SEZ.  With World Bank financing, the Aqaba Regional Authority contracted Jean-Paul's firm ...

Helping Afghanistan Build a Stable Economy

Ever since the formation of a new government in Afghanistan, the country has attempted to diversify its economy by stimulating economic growth in industrial sectors. From 2010-2011, USAID utilized Jean-Paul Gauthier to advance that objective. ..

Assessing the Feasibility of SEZs in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In 2009-2010, Locus Economica Founder and CEO Jean-Paul Gauthier led a complete feasibility study on the establishment of an SEZ in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study included the drafting of legislation for the new SEZ program...

Guiding Reforms to Egypt's Business Regulations and Suez Canal Zone Concession Framework

From 2009-2010, Locus founder and CEO Jean-Paul Gauthier served as sub-component lead and senior legal advisor helping Egypt's local governments improve the quality of their regulations....

Assessing Strategic West African Transport Corridors

Deloitte contracted Locus Economica to help advise on SEZ possibilities and strategies and economic and sector development in critical transport corridors in West Africa, including...