Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's (KAS) Regional Program Political Dialogue and Regional Integration South Mediterranean has released "Special Economic Zones: A Model for the Middle East and North Africa," a new report based on collaborative research with the EastWest Institute and the Policy Center for the New South.  

The study proposes that “Special Economic Zones” (SEZ) could help generate growth and encourage regional integration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. SEZs can be a stepping-stone for greater sectoral change as infrastructure development and streamlined regulation alongside heightened investments can open job opportunities, strengthen value chains and enable greater inter-regional dialogue and cooperation in the MENA region.

The report identifies practical and actionable approaches to reform and develops recommendations for enhancing the contribution of SEZs to inclusive economic growth in MENA countries and to regional economic integration. Finally, the report concludes with an insightful Case Study Annex with four country and zone examples that serve as a best-practice guide for Special Economic Zone implementation in the MENA region and beyond.

Click here to read the report.