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In the second quarter of 2020, economic activity in the more than 5,000 Free Zones (or Special Economic Zones) worldwide is severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the result of the latest F-WEB, a quarterly survey conducted by the Kiel Institute in cooperation with the World Free Zones Organization. The index value for economic sentiment has fallen drastically from +48 to -20 since February—registering a negative value for the first time since the launch of the survey. The expectations index for the coming three months is also considerably lower than in the previous quarter. Nevertheless, initial cautious optimism can be seen particularly in Asian Special Economic Zones.
"As a result of the massive slump in world trade during the Corona crisis, an important growth engine in emerging markets has started sputtering," says Saskia Mösle, who conducts research on Special Economic Zones at the Kiel Institute Forecasting Center. Free Zones are increasingly in operation, especially in developing and emerging economies, to attract foreign direct investment, realize benefits from globalization and promote economic development. Free Zones are usually subject to preferential legal and tax rules and geared towards international trade. "Special Economic Zones are designed to promote and facilitate economic activities," Mösle continues, "at present, however, the economic situation in Free Zones is rated worse than in the host countries in general."
At the same time, the sharp decline in foreign direct investment that is currently unfolding is dampening hopes for a rapid recovery. Accordingly, the expectations index for the coming three months has also fallen by more than 40 points while remaining in positive range at +20. Cautious optimism comes primarily from Asia, where many countries were first affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but were now also the first to ease the tough lockdown measures.
These additional insights result from a number of special questions that were asked in addition to the regular F-WEB survey to shed light on the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and follow up on the results of a special survey in April. Deteriorating financial conditions continue to be a major drag on activity, although many support measures have been adopted in the Free Zones, such as the deferral of rent payments, wage subsidies, and credit facilities.
Here you can find all information about the Freezone World Economic Barometer and the latest report in full length: https://www.ifw-kiel.de/de/institut/research-center/prognosezentrum/projects/wor...
Media Contact:
Elisabeth Radke
Communication Center
T +49 431 8814-598
elisabeth.radke@ifw-kiel.de
Kiel Institute for the World Economy
Kiellinie 66 | 24105 Kiel
T +49 431 8814-774
F +49 431 8814-500
Saskia Mösle
Global Division of Labor,
Forecasting Center
T +49 431 8814-674
saskia.moesle@ifw-kiel.de
Dr. Klaus-Jürgen Gern
Forecasting Center
T +49 431 8814-262
klaus-juergen.gern@ifw-kiel.de
Economic Conditions Index
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