2010 06 23

Klaipeda Free Economic zone 20th best in the world

fDI Magazine recognized Klaipeda Free Economic Zone among the winners of Global Free Zones of the Future 2010/11. Klaipeda FEZ was ranked as one of the 25 most attractive zones and was listed in the 'Best Facilities' top 10.

The ranking was released as part of its Global Outlook, where it publishes the 25 most promising free economic zone areas for the next year.

According to the Klaipeda Free Economic Zone Management Board Chairman Paulius Vasiliauskas, international recognition during the recession period is particularly relevant.

"This assessment is important for Lithuania, because it proves that we can compete with other regional economic zones. It also shows the need to exploit its potential. We believe in improving the investment environment in Lithuania for newly emerging foreign companies so they can achieve even better results", Vasiliauskas said.

More than 700 economic zones globally were invited by fDi Magazine to complete a survey requesting both qualitative and quantitative data regarding their zones. This list of 700 was reduced to 200 based on information collected by fDi Benchmark and information submitted by the zones. These zones included free-trade zones, special economic zones and country zones. The information collected was set under eight categories: Economic Potential, Cost Effectiveness, Facilities, Transportation, Incentives, FDI Promotion Strategy; and, for those relevant, Airports and Ports.

A total of 66 zones submitted details regarding many aspects of their operations and this was judged and scored by our independent judging panel.

Zones scored up to a maximum of 10 points under each of the individual categories, which were weighted by importance to give the overall scores.

TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE FULL RESULTS, CLICK HERE