Zones of Progress: The Past, Present and Future of Special Economic Zones

This documentary tells the fascinating story of Special Economic Zones: geographically demarcated areas of countries where different rules and regulations apply. There are more than 7,000 of these across the world, and they have helped shape the development path of countries as diverse as Ireland, China, and the UAE. This documentary explores how they originated, how some of the leading modern zones function, and what the future of these zones could be.
Credits
Director: Timothy Allen
Co-producer: Chris Tremann
Co-producer: Peter Young
Cameraman and editor: Thomas Cytrynowicz
Researcher: Hynek Fencl
Interviewees in order of appearance:
Peter Young, Managing Director, Free Cities Foundation
Mark Beer, Chairman, The Metis Institute
Krysta Fox, Partner, Economic Zones Development Alliance
Dr. Dr. Andreas Baumgartner, Former Executive Director, DIFC Dispute Resolution Authority
Dr. Titus Gebel, CEO, Tipolis
Ivan Ko, CEO, Victoria Harbour Group
Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO, World Free Zones Organization
Jan Bladen, Former COO, Dubai Financial Services Authority
Dr. Vera Kichanova, Research Fellow, King's College London
Stephan Livera, Podcast Host
Olivier Roland, Entrepreneur
Zuby, Rapper
Amier Alawadhi, Director, Masdar City Free Zone
Chirag Shah, Director, Roatán Financial Services Authority
Special Thanks to:
Montelibero
Mikkel Thorup, ExpatMoney.com
Masdar City
EER Business Services, Dubai Multi-Commodities Center
Dubai International Financial Centre
disruptive-horizons.com/ (blog by Oliver Roland)
With thanks to the donors who supported this project:
Chris Tremann, Montelibero, Mikkel Thorup, Marc-Felix Otto, William Markus, Matthias Kelm, Rodrigo Quercia, Mondher Khanfir, Mason Leschyna, Sam Roberts, Seth Haymes, Craig Peters, Albert Sanchez, Dennis Ainsworth, Kathleen Reily, Tas Dienes, Martin Hartmann, Paula Koren, Joe Quirk, William Milonas, Sondre Bjellås, Kristy Gilger, Axel Metschies, Christopher Albanese, Glen Guhr, Tyler Heidebrecht
Follow the Free Cities Foundation on social media:
Twitter: @FreeCitiesFound
Facebook: @FreeCitiesFoundation
Instagram: @FreeCitiesFoundation

[@montelibero-project]

Thank you, colleagues! It's nice to feel involved in a big cause!

[@OlivierRoland]

Congrats for the great documentary ;)

[@peteryoung2844]

Thanks for your involvement Olivier 👍

[@WMarkus]

Excellent documentary! Can’t wait to see what will be the next big project in the Free Cities space

[@kristygilger6346]

I really enjoyed this video on Special Economic Zones! The insightful exploration of their origins and impact on countries like Ireland, China, and the UAE was captivating. The forward looking perspective on the future of SEZs was really thought provoking watch. Great job FC team on creating this video!

[@MarkEdge]

This is the most important concept of our times.

[@ivanko6702]

Great work! Well documented and explained. SEZ should be created not only in developing countries but also in free and democratic developed countries, like the U.K.. The benefits are obvious and long lasting. If successfully implemented, it can be replicated in different parts of the country. SEZ is forwarding looking, innovative, entrepreneurial, trend setting bringing about high growth and new economic directions. For a new SEZ to be created nowadays, there are other elements which should be embraced like lifestyle, sustainability, community, neighborhood and fostering of younger generations etc.

[@lucyfeng4224]

Very interesting. Great documentary.

[@noahchonlee]

Brilliant work

[@camilojdl]

Good doc.

[@LuisGuilhermeDiniz]

Great video, very well done. It is the future for governments to evolve to a more efficient governance model and private driven economic zones is the way to achieve this.

[@maxmedina4243]

Very very cool

[@benrichterphilosophie]

👍

[@codelessunlimited7701]

Special Economic Zones receiving government subsidies to exists.

[@stephen7938]

they did not feel the stones as they crossed the river when they were taken over by communism so i think that comment is partially true

[@LaserFocus21]

Interesting, will be added to the watchlist for sure 🦩