2 minutos Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been established in many countries as a mechanism for attracting foreign direct investment, accelerating industrialization and creating jobs. Not all SEZs have been successful, and a review of experience indicates factors that contribute to success. China has successfully leveraged SEZs for economic transformation. Initially, SEZs were used to experiment with market-oriented economic reforms and build experience before reforms were implemented more widely. Over time, a wide range of SEZs were established to take advantage of local conditions. Continue lendo→

3 minutos Special Economic Zones (SEZs) represent Africa’s most prominent effort towards industrialization. Economic zones, such as the Hawassa Industrial Park in Ethiopia, the Lekki Free Zone in Nigeria, and Kenya’s Export Processing Zones, demonstrate how African governments are attracting foreign investment. With various incentives, the African market has become more investor-friendly. However, these incentives often overlook social and economic needs locally. In Hawassa, there are thousands of jobs in the garment industry, but workers make about $26 per month, and skills transfer is minimal, Continue lendo→

33 minutos In an era increasingly characterized by protectionist tariffs, trade conflicts, and the resurgence of nation-state borders, a contrasting yet equally powerful development is taking place in the background. Shielded by fences and complex customs codes, so-called free ports and free trade zones are growing worldwide into the true power centers of the global economy. These areas are far more than mere parking lots for containers or transshipment points for goods; they are special legal and fiscal zones that operate according to their Continue lendo→