The 2023 iteration of fDi Intelligence’s flagship Global Free Zones of the Year awards recognise the best free zones across geographies and specialisations among the 69 that participated in the awards this year. Each one of the five judges was also asked to assign honorable mentions to those zones that stood out for specific initiatives. 

Cayman Enterprise City (Cayman Islands) for SME support

Advertisement

Alex Irwin-Hunt: “An introducer programme for SMEs offers incentives to existing tenants who refer other companies to the zone. This includes cash bonuses or referral points, which can be used to acquire discounts at the free zone’s facilities, VIP parking spots and conference tickets.”

Coega Development Corporation (South Africa) for workforce training initiatives and commitment to ESG initiatives

Kavan Bhandary: “The Coega Development Foundation offers a range of training services, including short courses, skills programmes and apprenticeships. Its tailored education and skills development solutions prepare participants for lifelong learning, employability, and entrepreneurship, while also contributing to early childhood development and supporting socioeconomic initiatives.”

Dubai Silicon Oasis (UAE) for catalysing R&D

Preston Martin: “Its building and operating facilities are designed to support tenants’ research and development projects across multiple industries.”

El Gran Bajío (Mexico) for access to niche markets, location and workforce

Advertisement

Tony Restall: “It is important to recognise potential suppliers to the massive consumer markets of the US and Canada. Mexico is well placed in terms of location and worker population to carve a niche to compete with the likes of China.”

Evolution Free Zone (Costa Rica) for ESG practices and infrastructure planning

Kavan Bhandary: “Despite being a newcomer, it possesses significant potential to rejuvenate Costa Rica’s established nearshoring reputation, particularly its emphasis on high-precision sectors. Moreover, with the support of developers renowned for creating the highly successful Coyol Free Zone, a top-performing free zone in Latin America, the Evolution Free Zone further solidifies its standing.” 

Jebel Ali Free Zone (UAE) for retail space development

Alex Irwin-Hunt: “This zone has invested some $161m into a hybrid marketplace for businesses involved in wholesale and retail. It collectively attracts over 5000 daily visitors, helping tenants to engage in business and attract new customers.”

Klaipėda Free Zone (Lithuania) for green energy strategy and working within regulatory confines

Kavan Bhandary: “Impressive infrastructure planning is evident, facilitating swift start-ups for SMEs in their FlexStart facility. The ‘green corridor’ initiative aids larger manufacturers, backed by hands-on support. State-of-the-art infrastructure, including communication networks, roads, rail links, and direct port access, defines the zone.” 

Tony Restall: “Despite being controlled by EU restraints, they are doing well. Just imagine if the EU decided one day to permit full service free zones.” 

Liverpool City Region Freeport (UK) for Brexit support, zone launch and ESG

Preston Martin: “It deserves recognition for launching a new freeport in support of Brexit policy implementation, and leveraging existing geographical advantages with new incentives to attract new tenants.” 

Danielle Myles: “The freeport is a key stakeholder in decarbonising freight movements from the area, funding regeneration activities and incentivising the redevelopment of brownfield sites.” 

Łódź Special Economic Zone (Poland) for Ukraine support

Danielle Myles: “One-fifth of the projects accepted into its tech accelerator programme in 2022 were from Ukraine, giving the war-torn country’s start-ups advisory, networking, financing and development opportunities.” 

Manaus Free Trade Zone (Brazil) for transport strategy and employment creation

Tony Restall: “Despite its remote location (it takes five days to get products to and from the coastal port), it is exploring alternative points of entry through Guyana and Venezuela. Its employment creation is essential to justify recognition because offering tax-free incentives must have some national benefits. Employment creation equates to wealth creation.” 

Pomeranian Special Economic Zone (Poland) for robotics and automation

Alex Irwin-Hunt: “An industrial robot programming centre helps tenants at this zone train its current and future staff on the use of robots, helping to boost automation across their operations.” 

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (UAE) for AI 

Danielle Myles: “The free zone has shown it is at the forefront of tech developments within the industry by exploring artificial intelligence-powered systems for data analysis, predictive modelling, and data-driven decision-making.” 

Zona Franca Metropolitana (Colombia) for digital transformation 

Preston Martin: “This zone is developing critical infrastructure to support the utilisation of the digital technologies integral to the future of global trade.” 

Free Zones Awards 2023

Contents