The 2024 edition of fDi Intelligence’s Global Free Zones of the Year pays tribute to the best free zones across geographies and specialisations among the 65 that took part in the awards. The judging panel has given honourable mentions for zones that excelled in specific initiatives and approaches.

La Lima Free Zone & Business Park (Peru) for corporate social responsibility

Andreas Baumgartner: “La Lima’s is the only submission that explicitly emphasised its social mobility program, indicating a strong awareness of and commitment to social responsibility.”

Qatar Free Zones Authority (Qatar) for strategic innovation 

Julien Chaisse: “QFZ excels in providing a comprehensive package. Investors benefit from cutting-edge infrastructure. The location is strategic, bridging the East and West. Strong support for innovation is evident. Focused growth in tech and logistics sectors drives success.”

Krakow Technology Park (Poland) for SME and start-up support 

Preston Martin: “KTP supports its start-up tenants with its own incubator programme, as well as partnerships with accelerators such as the EIT Digital Venture Programme and the European Digital Innovation Hub. By bringing in funding and more regional/global networks for KTP’s tenants, these programmes are a great non-fiscal incentive, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Cayman Enterprise City (Cayman Islands) for higher education

Danielle Myles: “Its non-profit Enterprise Cayman is working to close the education and earnings gap for Caymanians by offering training, internships, mentoring, networking and career-focused training.”

Klaipeda Free Economic Zone (Lithuania) for non-financial incentives

Andreas Baumgartner: “Going beyond the ‘typical’ incentives, Klaipeda emphasised its ‘speed of launch’ package, combining multiple factors. In combination with the emphasis on its active business community, I recommend Klaipeda FEZ for a special mention.”

Liverpool City Region Innovation and Freeport Zone (UK) for PhD partnerships and research and development 

Danielle Myles: “Working with Liverpool John Moores University, it has created six PhD scholarships to foster research into the application of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things sensors and other technologies to UK freeports.”

Mohamed Hafez: “As one of three UK areas with both Investment Zone and Freeport status, this multimodal zone spurs innovation by drawing substantial public and private research and development investments in advanced manufacturing and life sciences.”

Dubai Silicon Oasis for digital innovation

Mohamed Hafez: “With 90,000 residents and 30,000 companies, DSO develops its advanced digital infrastructureto foster emerging industry clusters, pushing innovation and solidifying its position as a keytechnology hub.”

Freeport of Ventspils Authority (Latvia) for offshore wind

Danielle Myles: “Its has taken significant strides to leverage its position on the Baltic Sea by developing an offshore wind cluster including the servicing of offshore wind farms, turbine manufacturing and power-to-x conversion.”

Activa Med&Tech Free Zone (Costa Rica) for inspirational marketing

Andreas Baumgartner: “The following slogan deserves special mention — ‘Where ideas grow’. Short, easy to remember and inspiring, triggering positive connotations — and in perfect alignment with their stated value proposition/aspirations.”

Pomeranian Special Economic Zone (Poland) for sustainable innovation

Julien Chaisse: “Innovation and knowledge are at its core. It offers substantial fiscal incentives, attracting high-tech industries, and its central location in Poland enhances its appeal. Sustainable practices are deeply integrated, reflecting modern priorities.”

Atlantis SEZ (South Africa) for eco-manufacturing

Preston Martin: “Atlantis SEZ’s efforts to support the manufacturing of green technologies and attract greentech investment to African businesses are notable, not only regionally but globally.”

The Nanning Area of the China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (China) for geographic leverage

Mohamed Hafez: “The zone strategically leverages its geographic location to deepen economic ties and promote supply chain integration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, enhancing forward linkages.”

Sri City Special Economic Zone (India) for connectivity

Julien Chaisse: “Exceptional logistics and connectivity set it apart. A key hub in Asia-Pacific, it prioritises multiple sectors, ensuring diverse growth. Its civic services innovation is notable, and its net-zero targets demonstrate a forward-thinking approach.”

Santafesina Free Zone (Argentina) for agriculture focus

Preston Martin: “As a newer zone, ZFS leverages historical geographic benefits to reinforce the development of agricultural and food processing industries. With global populations and demand for food rising, prioritising sustainable food development is key.”

Download the PDF to explore this year’s winners 

Visit the online hub for the Global Free Zones of the Year 2024 awards

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This article first appeared in the October/November 2024 print edition of fDi Intelligence