China

China selects pilot zones, application areas for blockchain project

China has selected 15 pilot zones and identified several areas of application to "carry out the innovative application of blockchain" technology, according to a joint government statement. The entities will conduct the projects in fields such as manufacturing, energy, government and tax services, law, education, health, trade and finance, and cross border finance. Learn more.

India

Budget 2022: Reforming SEZ Act to enhance competitiveness, says industry

Reforming the 16-year old SEZ (Special Economic Zone) Act will boost exports, enhance competitiveness and remove anomalies in a sector that has been overlooked since the withdrawal of direct tax benefits, said officials at manufacturing firms and export promotion council. Learn more.

Jamaica

special economic zones can provide boost to the Jamaican economy: Hill

Newly-elected Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce Aubyn Hill has stated that the special economic zones (SEZ) as a primary sector that can provide a well-needed boost to the Jamaican economy. Learn more.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea’s Ihu Special Economic Zone builds momentum

Ground has been broken at the Ihu Special Economic Zone (ISEZ) in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf Province. Project Director Peter KenGemar says companies are already contemplating a move into the zone to take advantage of generous incentives. Learn more.

United Arab Emirates

Free zone firms will not pay new levy if they do not conduct business in mainland

The UAE’s announcement on Monday to levy nine per cent corporate income tax (CIT) from June next year will benefit the companies operating in the free zones as they apparently fall outside the scope of the new tax regime. Learn more.

Jamaica To Host AICE 2022 Global Free Zones Conference

More than 1,500 guests from some 140 countries are set to attend the Annual International Conference & Exhibition (AICE) 2022 that is scheduled for June 13 to 17 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James. Learn more.

Five unexpected strategies for high-performing SEZs to adopt

What makes for a commercially successful special economic zone? An expert panel give their recommendations. Why do some economic zones significantly outperform others despite sharing many common attributes? This is the key question for zone leaders. Learn more.

RAKEZ signs MoU with Katowice SEZ to reinforce trade and investment relations between Poland and UAE

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Katowice Special Economic Zone (Katowice SEZ), in an aim to stimulate trade and investment opportunities between both locations, creating synergies for cooperation and development for both economic zones. Learn more.

DP World posts 2.6% increase in fourth-quarter shipping volumes

DP World, one of the world's largest port operators, posted a 2.6 per cent increase in gross container shipping volumes in the fourth quarter of 2021, with a strong increase in annual throughput expected to drive improved financial results. Learn more.

SEZ Technopolis Moscow resident increased microelectronics export volume more than twice

Epiel , a resident of SEZ Technopolis Moscow, increased the volume of foreign supplies by 2.3 times in the first three quarters of 2021. This was announced by Alexander Prokhorov, Head of the Department for Investment and Industrial policy of Moscow. Learn more.