Publication Details
Abstract
Free economic zones (FEZs) serve as strategic mechanisms in stimulating industrial development, attracting investment, and fostering international trade within modern economic systems. In Uzbekistan, the rapid increase in the number of FEZs has intensified the demand for improved management efficiency to enhance their contribution to national development. Despite global advancements in FEZ management, many zones in Uzbekistan suffer from centralization, lack of KPI-based evaluations, and insufficient digital infrastructure, highlighting a gap between current practices and best-performing international models. This study aims to analyze institutional and economic effectiveness indicators of FEZs in Uzbekistan, identify systemic barriers to efficient management, and propose improvement strategies based on global experience. The analysis revealed that most FEZs operate under centralized management structures with limited autonomy, underdeveloped digital monitoring, and minimal private sector involvement. The Navoi FEZ, however, showed significant investment and enterprise growth from 2019 to 2024. The research introduces a multi-dimensional evaluation framework combining KPI analysis, SWOT diagnostics, and international benchmarking to assess and enhance FEZ performance in Uzbekistan. The findings suggest a policy shift toward decentralization, private sector engagement, digitalization, and the introduction of a standardized KPI system to improve FEZ governance. These recommendations offer a practical roadmap for Uzbek policymakers to align with global standards and maximize economic returns from FEZs.