Special Economic zones in Central Asia

Digitalization of SEZ procedures in Central Asia

A needs assessment by the WFZO Regional Office for Central Asia and its member zones
In collaboration with UNCTAD, which could accompany with technical assistance — at countries’ request — through its Digital Government Program.
Answer the questionnaire →

Answering entails no commitment: it is the input of the regional needs assessment.

A needs assessment undertaken by the WFZO Regional Office in collaboration with UNCTAD: understanding each country’s situation, identifying priorities and seeking support for the region — and the possible areas of collaboration that could follow.

What the assessment will identify

What it is: a country-by-country diagnostic, in one common format. What it is not: not a roadmap, not a commitment. What it is for: identifying needs and scope, and guiding support.

The assessment looks at four dimensions in each country — and in each one, UNCTAD could provide assistance:

01

Simple laws for zones

Reviewing the SEZ legal framework of each country.

  • Understand the law as it stands.
  • Advice on possible simplification of procedures.
  • Where a country requests it and no zone law exists, accompany the drafting of a simple legal framework.
Drafting a zone law is not a legal problem. It is a business question: what does the country expect from the companies that will come, and what can it offer them?

Expected: jobs, revenue, technology transfer, and the returns most laws forget: skills, research, new institutional capacity. Offered: not only land and tax relief, but fast licensing, clear rules and stable conditions. Once both sides are clear, the law is short and easy to write.

02

Simplify, then digitize

Turning zone procedures into simple online services.

  • Simplification first: remove steps, then digitize what remains.
  • One digital counter for applications, permits and renewals.
  • Dedicated digital services for:
Developers Occupants Service providers
The procedure should become so simple that the zone's website does not need to explain it. The website shows the offer: which zones, what benefits for enterprises, and where they are.

Already done in Jamaica for zone developers.

03

One configurable system for the region

A standard procedure and digital system, configurable for any free zone in Central Asia.

  • One template: the simplest path from application to authorisation.
  • Each country configures institutions, fees and controls without rebuilding the system.
  • Companies follow the same clear process in every member zone.

Not a copy of existing systems: procedures designed to be simple, then adapted to each country’s legislation.

Initiatives that can serve as models

What already works in other regions — references for the assessment. Pick one to see it.

Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority public portal landing page
Interactive Jamaica SEZ map with filters, zone profile, and map pins
Montego Bay Free Zone detail modal over the interactive Jamaica SEZ map
Digital special economic zone developer certificate with QR verification

A possible roadmap

Illustrative steps, not a committed plan: they would depend on the interest shown by the assessment and on later agreements between the parties. The pilot country gains by going first: the template is designed around it, with regional visibility.

1

A volunteer pilot country

Review the SEZ legal framework and pick one zone to start with.

2

One visible result

Simplify and digitize one registration procedure end to end, developers first, as in Jamaica.

3

Extend

All procedures of the zone, for developers, occupants and service providers.

4

Regionalize

The configurable template, offered to every zone in Central Asia.

Possible areas of collaboration

WFZO Regional Office

  • Identify interested member countries and zones.
  • Convene regional stakeholders.
  • Facilitate regional coordination.

UNCTAD

  • Could accompany procedure simplification and legislative review, at each country’s request.
  • Could support the deployment of the eRegistrations platform.
  • Could offer training through the UN Digital Government Academy.

Together

  • Explore a pilot in a volunteer country.
  • Develop a reusable regional template.
  • Share results through a regional workshop.
Would your country like to explore this? Tell us in a few minutes how your special economic zones work today. It is the first step to look at this together.
Complete the form →
Questions?