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Special economic zones: methodological issues and definition

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  • François Bost

Abstract

Over the decades, the universe of special economic zones (SEZs) has become considerably more complex with the multiplication of “zones” with new and modified objectives. This research note has two objectives. First, it provides a more complete clarification of terminologies in use. This is intended to facilitate the identification of the different types of SEZs - a term that UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2019 (WIR 2019) utilizes as generic concept - and to highlight the key differences between SEZs and free zones, the term in popular use prior to WIR 2019. Second, this research note describes the key differences between SEZs and free zones by major geographical regions and countries.

Suggested Citation

  • François Bost, . "Special economic zones: methodological issues and definition," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:unc:tncjou:7
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    File URL: https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/diaeia2019d2a7_en.pdf?repec
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xiangming Chen, . "Change and continuity in special economic zones: a reassessment and lessons from China," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
    2. repec:wbk:wbpubs:2341 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Guangwen Meng & Douglas Zhihua Zeng, . "Structural transformation through free trade zones: the case of Shanghai," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
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    Cited by:

    1. Limosani, Michele & Millemaci, Emanuele & Monteforte, Fabio & Mustica, Paolo Fabrizio, 2025. "Do Special Economic Zones Boost Employment? Evidence from a Meta-Analysis," SocArXiv mf2n6_v2, Center for Open Science.
    2. Jacques Eric, Tamno Tekam & Joseph, Keneck-Massil, 2025. "Africa's participation in global value chains: What contribution can Special Economic Zones make?," International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    3. Andrés Rodríguez‐Pose & Federico Bartalucci & Susanne A. Frick & Amelia U. Santos‐Paulino & Richard Bolwijn, 2022. "The challenge of developing special economic zones in Africa: Evidence and lessons learnt," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 14(2), pages 456-481, April.
    4. Aradhna Aggarwal, 2023. "How special are special economic zones: Evidence from South Asia," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(8), pages 2361-2382, August.
    5. Rajneesh Narula & James X. Zhan, . "Using special economic zones to facilitate development: policy implications," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
    6. Soniya Falahatdoost & Xingping Wang, 2022. "Industrial Park Role as a Catalyst for Regional Development: Zooming on Middle East Countries," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-18, August.
    7. David Guerrero & Patrick Nierat & Jean-Claude Thill & Emmanuel Cohen, 2022. "Shifting proximities. Visualizing changes in the maritime connectivity of African countries (2006/2016)," Post-Print hal-03738595, HAL.

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