From July to October of 2015, Locus Economica joined forces with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to assist the government of Senegal as it develops its industrial sectors. We advised the government on the creation of an Integrated Industrial Platform...
What makes for a successful special economic zone?
Locus Economica consultants Jean-Paul Gauthier and Harold Godsoe were featured in Global Finance Magazine's great recent article, "Special Economic Zones: Who Wins, Who Loses?." In the article, Jean-Paul and Harold contributed to an excellent summary of the policies that tend to produce successful zones and the policies that undermine success. Here is just a quick sketch: ...
Leveraging Lao SEZs to Promote Regional Integration and Attract Investment
The government of Laos has requested that Locus Economica assist it with the development of its new special economic zone program as part of a technical assistance package from the Government of Germany (GIZ). We have been helping identify fundamental market gaps in Laos and evaluating how SEZs can address those gaps. ...
Kenya Adopts New SEZ Act Designed to Improve the Business Environment
Assisting the Reform of Pakistan's SEZs and Industrial Estates
In June 2015, Locus Economica was pleased to consult the Pakistan Ministry of Commerce on revisions to its special economic zones (SEZ) program. Working under contract with the World Bank Jobs and Competitiveness Program, we thoroughly reviewed and provided recommendations on Pakistan's current SEZ policy and institutions, including its SEZ Act and implementing Rules. ...
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.
Revitalizing Mexico's South through Special Economic Zones
Locus Economica provided technical assistance to the Government of Mexico in 2015 on the development of a special economic zones program. President Nieto announced the program to combat serious poverty and crime in the southern states of Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. The zones are intended to improve conditions in these states by attracting new investment, creating jobs, developing supply chains with the local economy, and improving infrastructure. ...
Locus Economica Offers Strategic Assistance to Kenyan MPs
Members of Kenya's Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Trade, Finance, and Planning discussed amendments to Kenya's new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill during a retreat in Mombassa last week. Locus Economica Managing Director, Jean-Paul Gauthier was asked to attend on behalf of the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC) to speak on some of the key strengths and potential areas for improvement in the current version of the Bill. ...
EU Business Forum: Improving Investment and the Business Environment in Ethiopia
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. ...
Panama-Pacifico SEZ Thriving as a Major Manufacturing Hub
Locus Economica is excited to hear about the progress the Panama-Pacifico Special Economic Zone (SEZ) ha made toward meeting, and even exceeding, its goals. Locus Economica founder Jean-Paul Gauthier was instrumental in advising the government of Panama on the laws and regulations that make the SEZ function ...
New Memberships: International Economic Development Council and WEPZA
A Free Zone for Donetsk? The Importance of the Ukrainian Ceasefire Agreement for SEZs
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.