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Providing Transactional Advice for Special Economic Zone Agreements and Activities

Zones programs are built on an array of legal documentation, which serve as the nuts and bolts of their activities. That’s why Locus Economica’s team of lawyers offer clients a range of zones-related transactional services. From structuring public-private partnership agreements, to developing infrastructure finance funds, to reviewing and revising lease agreements, we offer the legal expertise necessary to get a zones program up and running.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECT Experience

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Strengthening Rwanda's Special Economic Zone Regulatory System

Building off our assistance the previous year, Locus Economica returned to Rwanda as part of a United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) mission to implement the reforms recommended in our 2015 Report. This assignment focused on upgrading the capacity of...

Strengthening Bangladesh's Economic Zones & IT Park Authorities

In 2016-2017, the World Bank retained Locus Economica to assist the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and the Hi-Tech Parks Authority (HTPA) with its economic zones (EZs) and hi-tech parks (HTP) programs...

Guiding the Development of Madagascar's Special Economic Zones Program

In 2015, Locus Economica assisted the government of Madagascar as part of a World Bank / International Development Association (IDA) technical assistance program. Our work involved helping develop a legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for SEZs in Madagascar. These efforts included ...

Improving the Laws and Institutions Governing Special Economic Zones in Rwanda

Since June 2015, Locus Economica, in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, has been advising the Rwandan Ministry of Trade and Industry on its SEZ policy and development of industrial parks. We have analyzed Rwanda's current legal framework for its SEZs ...

Ethiopia Special Economic Zone Policy and Legal Framework

Since 2013, Locus Economica has been working under a World Bank contract to assist the government of Ethiopia with the development of its new Industrial Park program. Specifically, Locus Economica has: Helped draft a new Industrial Park Proclamation ...

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.

Harnessing Private Sector Capabilities to Improve the Performance of Lesotho's Industrial Zones

Locus Economica assisted the government of Lesotho with attracting private-sector involvement in the development and management of industrial zones in early 2015. Working under contract with our partner, Buro Happold, we assessed the economic feasibility of various public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements. ...

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 ...

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.

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. ...

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

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. ..

Bringing Trade and Jobs to Terrorism-Affected Areas in Pakistan through Reconstruction Opportunity Zones

In 2009, when the U.S. government sought to establish Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) in Pakistan, they turned to Locus founder and CEO Jean-Paul Gauthier. Jean-Paul provided legal advice on the proposed measure, which would have provided manufacturers in designated industrial estates with the ability to reach U.S. markets tariff-free....