FX.co ★ Best Special Economic Zones Of The World According To FDI Intelligence

The Financial Times department estimates all possible types of zones: special economic zones, export processing zones, free ports and others. The main criterias for evaluating are: the quality of conditions in each of the zones for major companies and the level of conditions for small and medium-sized businesses in each of the zones. It should be noted that SEZs from Russia were included in the top ones.

In 2015 Jebel Ali Free Zone (Dubai, UAE) was the best SEZ in terms of conditions for large companies. About 30 years have elapsed since the opening of the economic zone, however, it still continues to expand. There are about 7 thousand of residents in Jebel Ali in UAE, 100 of which are included in the Fortune 500 list (rating of the largest companies of the world).

The Dubaian economic zone Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre became the winner in nomination “The best SEZ for small and medium business". The centre of exchange goods has grown by 39% over the past several years. Its residents are the leaders in gold trade, which control about 40% of the global market. The zone accounts for about 60% of the exported tea market. Diamonds trade here has climbed to $35 billion over the last 12 years.

The best special economic zone for large companies in Europe was the Lipetsk SEZ from Russia. The zone was founded 10 years ago. During this time, she managed to attract a tire giant from Japan, Yokohama, the German rubber and plastic producer Lanxess, the chemical company PPG from USA. This zone has access to the largest highways, this factor helps it to attract labor force and to expand the territory.

The winner in the nomination "Best SEZ for small and medium business in Europe" was the Polish economic zone Lodz special economic Zone, located in the city of Lodz. Two years ago, the number of the zone's residents increased by 9%. At the moment it totals about 230 renters. The Polish SEZ is focused on attracting small and medium-sized businesses, it tries to provide them with investment support, as well as support of city authorities and business partners.

The best special economic zone for large enterprises in America was a SEZ from Baltimore — FtZ No 74. Over the last couple of years the number of the zone's residents has increased by 12%, amounting to 153 companies. A large range of industries is represented in the Baltimore SEZ. The main advantage of the zone is a port, it provides access to 75% of the US companies to the markets of the East Coast of the United States.

SEZ Zonamerica, an Uruguayan economic zone, situated in Montevideo, became the winner in the nomination "Best SEZ for small and medium business in America". About 85% of its residents are representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, however, quite large multinational companies are based in the zone: Citi, KPMG, PwC, Deloitte. The main advantage of Zonamerica is IT infrastructure.

The Indian Sri City became the winner among the best SEZ for major companies of Asia. The representatives of 25 countries are concentrated in the zone. The main advantages of the Sri City special economic zone is urban infrastructure, existence of four sea ports and two international airports within 100 kilometres.

The best special economic zone for small and medium business was the Daegu Gyeongbuk SEZ from South Korea. This zone includes enterprises of the automobile industry, machinery manufacturing, high-tech production. Experts note that the number of the zone's residents increases by 23% every year. The SEZ provides benefits for rent, high quality equipment and professional researchers.

The Alabuga SEZ closes the top 10 of the world special economic zones, which was awarded an "honorable mention". As FDI reports, the Tatarstan zone managed to attract large international companies and an impressive amount of investments. In the near future new parts of social infrastructure should be added to industrial platforms. All this can make the Tatarstan SEZ a popular place for work and for life, experts note.