In a statement, to which VerAngola had access, ZEE informs that the event highlighted "the importance of Special Economic Zones, as a political tool for promoting investment, job creation and innovation".
The note also highlights the fact that the number of Special Economic Zones "around the world" exceeds 5000, continuing to "increase progressively".
In traditional terms, the note states, the policies of these economic zones "have focused on attracting foreign investment and, with emphasis on large-scale industrial investment". However, "there has been a growing interest in leveraging the policies" of economic zones to support local companies, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMES).
"Adding a dimension of entrepreneurship development and support for MSMEs to the political frameworks of Special Economic Zones can serve as a strategy to increase the side effects of these platforms for the local economy and can stimulate the attractiveness of ZEE'S for international investors, strengthening a base from local suppliers", the note reads.
According to ZEE, the panel was organized in partnership with the African Economic Zone Organization (AEZO), having presented "effective policies and programs to support local entrepreneurs, in and around their areas of operation across" Africa.
During the event, the statement adds, "challenges and opportunities in the economic sector and in promoting investment attraction" were also presented, in which the main objective was to identify "replicable initiatives that can benefit authorities and promoters" of economic zones around the world.
