Special Economic Zones, how to make them special

Over the past 30 years, there has been a proliferation of special economic zones under a myriad of names: “free zone”, “free trade area”, “export-processing zones”, and “special economic zones”, amongst others. A special economic zone, or “SEZ”, is defined as an area within the boundaries of a country where favorable regulatory, fiscal, and financial incentives are applied preferentially to the rest of the country. SEZs can vary in scale from small enclaves within or near a major city or port, to planned metropolitan centers like Economic Cities. Shenzhen and Jebel Ali are considered to be two of the most famous and successful SEZs. Shenzhen in China had a 15% year-on-year GDP growth in 2006, the highest mainland GDP/capita, and the economic added value of a midsize Chinese province. Jebel Ali is Dubai’s thriving equivalent. In 2004, it accounted for approximately 36% of Dubai’s export/re-export activity. Jebel Ali has attracted