Special economic zones for shared prosperity Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN growth area

This study explores how Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippians can bolster cooperation in their special economic zones (SEZ) to spur sustainable growth. It maps out and assesses the economic performance of SEZs across the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippians East ASEAN growth area and highlights challenges they face. These challenges include growing competition for foreign investment, international trade disputes, and digital transformation. The publication emphasizes the need for policy makers and stakeholders to intensify strategic collaboration to make their SEZs more competitive. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, it outlines practical steps to increase the role of SEZs in boosting trade, creating jobs, and building economic resilience across the four countries.