The Global Guide to Special Economic Zones is the authoritative guide to successfully planning, implementing and re-structuring Special Economic Zones. This pioneering work defines and explains each stage of the SEZ lifecycle, providing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis, in five parts: - Learning – the history, context and rationale for SEZs; - Government – how and why governments have used SEZs successfully and what underpins that success in practice, from planning and marketing to potential pitfalls; - Investors – taking SEZs from concept to economic reality, securing investors and what investors need to know; - Legal – the key risks, trade issues and dispute resolution; and - Future perspectives – global trends such as green and digital zones, job creation and how developed economies are increasingly utilising SEZs, including consideration of how they can play a impactful role in the green energy transition and in the recovery of post-conflict economies. Supported by analysis of twenty-eight SEZ-specific real life examples, the book features expert specialist contributors and draws on their deep experience working with governments and industry worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The Global Guide to Special Economic Zones is an invaluable resource for national governments, international agencies, regional and local authorities, infrastructure and industrial investors and financiers. Importantly, it is also written for any professional wishing to develop their understanding of Special Economic Zones.