An assessment of FEZs in Arab countries : performance and main features

Abstract EN

Free Economic Zones (FEZs) have become increasingly important as developing countries seek to attract foreign investment and increase exports and foreign exchange earnings in order to promote trade and growth.

As a result, a large number of FEZs has been put into operation throughout the Arab World, and more are in the planning process.

While their features differ from one country to another, similar constraints have impeded their success, which requires careful assessment of their measures and performance.

The Jabal Ali Free Zone has proved to be the most successful in Arab countries in terms of investment attracted to the zone, level of exports and foreign exchange earnings, and linkages with the domestic economy.

However, to be successful, FEZs in Arab countries have to concentrate on competing on the basis of the services offered and their quality, rather than on the basis of location