Designing Zone Policy

Madagascar SEZ Bill Adopted

Ehoala Port, Fort Dauphin, Madagascar – the site of a proposed SEZ

Ehoala Port, Fort Dauphin, Madagascar – the site of a proposed SEZ

In July 2017, the Madagascar Council of Ministers adopted the SEZ Bill prepared with the technical assistance of Locus Economica in the 2015-2017 period. We had generous assistance from local counsel from the MCI law firm. The entire project was backed by funding from the World Bank Growth Poles Project.

Under the SEZ Law, which Locus Economica co-drafted, investors had, as of November 2017, signed MoUs with Rio Tinto’s Ehoala Business Park (constructed at a cost of $256 million) projected to create 1,000 jobs.

Making Mexico's Planned SEZs Align with International Best Practices

Making Mexico's Planned SEZs Align with International Best Practices

In 2016 Locus advised the Government of Mexico on the development of its new SEZ program in collaboration with Spanish consulting firm IDOM. We provided best practices for SEZs and case studies on the design of the SEZ administrative framework and investment incentives. ...

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 ...

Promoting Industrialization in Senegal through the Diamniadio Special Economic Zone

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...

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.  ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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...

Analysis of South Africa's Special Economic Zone Bill and Associated Conference Presentations

In 2011 Locus Economica consulted South Africa's Centre for Development and Enterprise and the Department of Trade and Industry on South Africa's SEZ Bill and on its Industrial Development Zones (IDZs). Our work focused on...

Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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

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

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 ...

Assessing the Feasibility of SEZs in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In 2009-2010, Locus Economica Founder and CEO Jean-Paul Gauthier led a complete feasibility study on the establishment of an SEZ in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study included the drafting of legislation for the new SEZ program...

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....