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

In 2014, the World Bank contracted Locus Economica to update certain aspects of its 2003 Diagnostic Trade and Investment Study of Madagascar.  Under this contract, we analyzed potential changes to the country's free zone program and reviewed the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) ...

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. 

Pre-Feasibility Study for the Kuwait Digital Oasis

In 2013, Locus Economica was retained by the World Bank to assess the opportunity and potential nature and location of a technology park in Kuwait on behalf its central agency for information technology (CAIT). The firm provided strategic and real-estate market recommendations in this context.

Economic and Legal Pre-Feasibility Study for the Kuwait Petroleum Industrial Park

The World Bank again contracted Locus Economica in 2013 to assist with the economic and legal possibilities for the creation of the Kuwait Petroleum Industrial Park.  The firm provided guidance concerning SEZ strategy and operations, project management, and economic and sector analysis.

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.

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.

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...