This book is designed as a resource for each stage of the Special Economic Zone lifecycle. This book provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of SEZs, organized in five parts each considering a particular perspective. These include a learning, government, investor, legal and future perspective, followed by twenty-eight SEZ-specific case studies.

The book features expert authors and contributors and draws on deep experience of working with governments and industry worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.  It is relevant to those wishing to improve their understanding of SEZs as an important economic tool, national governments, international agencies, regional and local authorities, infrastructure and industrial investors and financiers.  It is an excellent source of information for the successful planning, implementation and restructuring of SEZs and examines ways SEZs can play a role in the green energy transition and recovery of war-torn economies.

Stephen Webb is an international lawyer focusing on economic zones, maritime, energy and infrastructure projects. He leads cross-border, multi-jurisdictional teams to develop and implement legal, diplomatic, economic and communication strategies. Stephen assists governments and corporations to resolve international issues, design and implement SEZs and is currently actively involved in the renewable sector and ITLOS/ICJ climate cases.

Stephen Webb is an international lawyer focusing on economic zones, maritime, energy and infrastructure projects. He leads cross-border, multi-jurisdictional teams to develop and implement legal, diplomatic, economic and communication strategies. Stephen assists governments and corporations to resolve international issues, design and implement SEZs and is currently actively involved in the renewable sector and ITLOS/ICJ climate cases.

Part I: Understanding SEZs - a learning perspective.- Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: SEZs 101: what are the key features of SEZs.- Chapter 3: History and regional characteristics. Chapter 4: SEZs 201: within international investment law - context and literature review.- Part II: SEZ policy - a government perspective.- Chapter 5: Master planning and phasing.- Chapter 6: Real estate issues and SEZs.- Chapter 7: Designing the investment proposition and marketing strategy for SEZs.- Chapter 8: "Making SEZs work in practice" conversation with Jean-Paul Gauthier.- Part III: SEZ investment - an investor perspective.- Chapter 9: Operating zones - Vision to reality.- Chapter 10: SEZs, other investment attraction initiatives and a layered approach to securing investments.- Chapter 11: Economic effects of SEZs.- Part IV: SEZ risks and dispute resolution - a legal perspective.- Chapter 12: The World Bank's model SEZ law.- Chapter 13: International trade issues.- Chapter 14: Vulnerabilities and risks of SEZs.- Chapter 15: SEZ dispute resolution.- Part V: Future perspectives on SEZs.- Chapter 16: Global SEZ trends.- Chapter 17: Green Zones: a case study for accelerating the energy transition.- Chapter 18: Digital economic zones.- Chapter 19: SEZs in developed economies.- Chapter 20: SEZs as a tool for displaced populations.- Chapter 21: Conclusion and lead author's reflection.