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Review
. 2023 Apr 11;9(4):e15344.
doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15344. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Defining 'free zones': A systematic review of literature

O S Alansary  1 , Tareq Al-Ansari  1
Affiliations
Review

Defining 'free zones': A systematic review of literature

O S Alansary et al. Heliyon. .

Abstract

For decades, the notion of 'Free Zones' has remained complex and ambiguous. Despite considerable efforts in this regard, the concept of 'Free Zones' and its components have not been sufficiently explored. To further consolidate the related literature, this study conducted a literature review on the terminology of the Free Zone and its components using a systematic review method based on literature and international organizations such as the UNCTAD. This study provides needed general knowledge about the nature of Free Zones. It also presents the classifications and types of economic zones, and provides insight into what distinguishes Free Zones and economic zones from one another. Furthermore, it aggregates the Free Zone into its constituting components, concluding with insight into future research by identifying relevant challenges and gaps.

Keywords: Export processing zones; Free trade zones; Free zone components; Free zone terminology; Free zones; Special economic zones.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Literature review map.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Methodology.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Bibliometric analysis.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Historical trend of SEZs worldwide [1].
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Economic Zone Classification [1]. Developed from Bost & Piantoni: Reims University [32].
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Free zone components.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. UNCTAD World investment report 2019: special economic zones. Key Messages and Overview. 2019. https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/bop/2019/pdf/19-25.pdf
    1. Asgari N., Farahani R.Z., Goh M. Network design approach for hub ports-shipping companies competition and cooperation. Transport. Res. Pol. Pract. 2013;(48):1–18. doi: 10.1016/j.tra.2012.10.020. - DOI
    1. Asgari N., Hassani A., Jones D., Nguye H.H. Sustainability ranking of the UK major ports: methodology and case study. Transport. Res. E Logist. Transport. Rev. 2015;(78):19–39. doi: 10.1016/j.tre.2015.01.014. - DOI
    1. Clark X., Dollar D., Micco A. Port efficiency, maritime transport costs, and bilateral trade. J. Dev. Econ. 2004;75(2):417–450. doi: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2004.06.005. - DOI
    1. UNCTAD Review of maritime transport 2018,” 2018, united conference on trade and development. 2018. https://unctad.org/publication/review-maritime-transport-2018

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