The challenges facing special economic zones.
The Federal Law of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) entered into force on June 1. SEZs are to be set up in Lazaro Cardenas (Michoacan), Puerto Chiapas (Chiapas), the trans-Tehuantepec Isthmus industrial corridor joining Coatzacoalcos (Veracruz) with Salina Cruz (Oaxaca), and the oil corridor between Campeche and Tabasco. The first anchor companies in each zone are to be established by 2018.
Poor economic growth for the foreseeable future will limit the impact of the SEZs.
Promises that the SEZs will be operating by 2018, an electoral year, could lead to rushed implementation, risking long-term sustainability.
Political capital from the SEZs will be constrained by public frustration with other sensitive issues such as corruption and crime.
