Can special economic zones (SEZs) effectively reduce conflict and respond to secession efforts Last week, Newsweek reported that Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is pushing for the contested area of Donbass (containing Donetsk and Luhansk) to become a "free economic zone." ...
Dawei SEZ Advancing Reforms in Myanmar through Japan-Myanmar-Thailand Partnership
Last week, the governments of Myanmar, Thailand, and Japan agreed to develop a major special economic zone (SEZ) in the strategic port town of Dawei, Myanmar. The agreement appears to be another major step in Myanmar's efforts over the last few years to liberalize its economy and society and increase investor confidence.
Piloting reforms is one of the most important purposes SEZs serve. ...
Update on Kenya's SEZ Legislation Development
A quick update on the progress the Kenyan government has been making on the regulatory and institutional framework for three new zones: The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the new SEZ bill and policy, which is now under review by the Parliament. We continue to provide strategic assistance to the project as Kenya develops a full legal and regulatory suite. ...
Stimulating Diversified Economic Growth through Qatar Economic Zones
In 2014, Locus Economica was engaged by Buro Happold, Tanween and Manateq to help advise the government of Qatar on the establishment of three SEZs, each targeting selected industries to help Qatar diversify its economy away from dependence on the oil and gas industries. Qatar Economic Zone (QEZ) 1 will be located ...
Madagascar Diagnostic Trade and Investment Study
Japan's Quest to Pilot Social and Economic Reforms through Special Economic Zones
As reported by the Economist, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has proposed an interesting new use for special economic zones. Special Economic Zones ("SEZs") have been famously used as pilots for testing proposed economic reforms before they are enacted throughout an entire country. Under to Prime Minister Abe's plan, however, SEZs would be used to test out a broad range of social reforms ...
Stimulating Job Growth and Poverty Reduction through the Maluku Special Economic Zone, DRC
In 2014, Locus Economica advised the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through the IFC on the feasibility of implementing an SEZ program in its country. Our assistance consisted of recommendations on the establishment of a secure legal framework for private-sector investment in the DRC. The DRC has sought to establish Kintech, a privately managed SEZ...
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.
Opening up Private-Sector Investment in Bangladesh through PPPs
Pre-Feasibility Study for the Kuwait Digital Oasis
Advancing Regional Integration in East Africa through Special Economic Zones
In 2013 Locus helped the East African Community (EAC) develop a region-wide Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policy. ...
Economic and Legal Pre-Feasibility Study for the Kuwait Petroleum Industrial Park
Haiti Special Economic Zones Law Drafting Project
Under several successive assignments throughout 2013, the World Bank and the Ministry of Industry of Haiti, contracted Locus Economica to review existing industrial zones legislation and draft a new SEZ law for the country. Locus Economica also made high-level presentations to various stakeholders in the country while they workshoped and validated the proposed bill. ...
Fending off the Resource Curse through Special Economic Zones
Economic diversity is a crucial goal for countries blessed (or cursed?) with large reserves of natural resources, such as petroleum. ... One tool countries have used to fight resource dependency is special economic zones (SEZs). For example, we have helped countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar channel state-owned oil revenues into SEZs that encourage high-tech manufacturing, ICT, clean energy industries, and other diversified sectors. In 2013 we shared some of this experience with the OECD ...
Russia Special Economic Zones Program Review and Loan Preparation
In 2013, the World Bank contracted Locus Economica to assist in evaluating a loan request from the Russian government. Specifically, the firm assessed the potential policy and technical needs of the country’s zones and the budget requirements for addressing those needs through World Bank assistance. The firm visited six Russian special economic zones and met with their management teams to offer guidance and advice as needed.
Advising on the Dube Trade Port in South Africa
Training Iraqi Officials on Best Practices for Special Economic Zones
Macedonia Special Economic Zones Program Review and Training Exercise
2013, Locus Economica was contracted by the World Bank to assess whether Macedonia's Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIDZ) program was compliant with the country’s European Union and World Bank obligations. Our assessment included recommendations for enhancing not only the program's compliance with international commitments but also its legislative competitiveness. We also helped train civil servants responsible for the program under this contract as seen in this picture.
Helping Azerbaijan Avoid Oil Dependence by Improving its SEZ Law
Locus helped review the Azerbaijani special economic zone (SEZ) law under a contract with the World Bank. Azerbaijan's 2009 SEZ law intends to promote ...
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...