Special Economic Zones in the OIC Region:
Learning from Experience
67
Zone have been acknowledged as globally successful zones by organisations such as fDi
Intelligence which undertake annual awards recognising global success in free zone
development. 59 Others, such as Penang FIZs are globally recognised successes in SEZ
development.
Table 5-1 - Detailed Case Studies – Selected Zones
Zone Region Case Study / Desk-top Study
Lekki Free Zone Nigeria - Sub-Saharan Africa Desk-top Study
Bole Lemi Industrial Zone Ethiopia - Sub-Saharan Africa Desk-top Study
Penang Free Zone Malaysia - Asia Case Study Visit
Jurong Freeport Singapore - Asia Desk-top Study
Tanger Med Zones Morocco - MENA Case Study Visit
Aqaba Free Zone Jordan - MENA Desk-top Study
The following section examines each of the six case studies in turn, to develop a detailed review
of the four OIC Member Countries’ and two non-OIC Member Countries SEZ experiences in terms
of economic performance and lessons learnt within the individual SEZs. This also includes
analysis of economic data available at national and regional levels to gain a broad understanding
of the impact of the identified SEZs on national and regional economies. Where information and
data is available the case study analysis seeks to establish the success of the SEZs in creating
backward linkages, generating employment, enhancing value added exports and attracting
foreign direct investment.
59 fDi (2015) fDi Global Free Zones of the Year 2015. Available from