novembro 9, 2026

What are economic zones? A 2026 guide for Philippine businesses

11 minutos Many entrepreneurs believe economic zones are reserved for multinational corporations with deep pockets. This misconception keeps small and medium businesses from accessing powerful tax incentives and operational advantages. Economic zones in the Philippines welcome businesses of all sizes, from local startups to foreign investors. These specialized areas offer tax holidays, duty exemptions, and streamlined processes that accelerate growth. This guide explains what economic zones are, how PEZA manages them, the benefits you can claim, and the practical steps to register your business Continue lendo→

Special economic zones: a 15% tax rate with strings attached

4 minutos Johan Kotze | A corporate income tax rate of 15%, compared with the normal rate of 27%, is an attractive proposition for any business considering a substantial investment in South Africa. Add accelerated tax allowances for qualifying buildings, and the financial benefits of operating within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) become even more compelling. But there is a catch. Simply setting up business in an SEZ does not guarantee access to these incentives. This is one of the important messages emerging from Continue lendo→

Zone-based policies as tools for regional development

2 minutos This paper analyses international experience with zone-based policies, such as special economic zones and enterprise zones. These targeted place-based policies can help improve long-term economic and well-being outcomes in regions but require careful strategic planning, well-designed incentives and strong governance mechanisms to minimise displacement and maximise positive impacts beyond the borders of the zone. Drawing on case studies from across the OECD, this paper offers policy insights into designing and implementing zone-based initiatives that effectively contribute to regional development. ABOUT THE OECDThe Continue lendo→

60 Second Global Macroeconomics: Special Economic Zones

2 minutos The primary macroeconomic objective of an SEZ is to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). By offering sweeping fiscal incentives such as tax holidays, zero-tariff imports on intermediate goods, and streamlined regulatory frameworks,host governments significantly lower the unit costs of production for multinational corporations. This creates a powerful chain of reasoning: lower costs incentivize multinationals to build physical infrastructure and bring capital into the developing economy. This represents a direct injection into the circular flow of income.Furthermore, SEZs are heavily geared toward export-led Continue lendo→