The overall objective of this assignment is to select two sites for SEZ development and conduct a prefeasibility analysis for these sites with consideration of their links to the Middle Corridor.

The assignment will be conducted in three phases.

• Phase I will involve development of relevant site screening criteria for the pre-selection of two high-potential sites for SEZ establishment based on available data.  This should be followed by long-listing and basic assessment of various proposed sites on this basis, with a view to screening of said long-listed sites to determine the two with the highest potential for success. This stage of the assignment will seek to determine whether there is a “prima facie” case for the two proposed SEZ sites, based on a basic “proof of concept” approach. The study will, to this end, rely in particular on expert document reviews, as well as expert qualitative economic, logistics and industry assessments, legal analysis, investment climate benchmarking and case studies of good-practice SEZs and industrial parks. It can be the site of an existing SEZ to be upgraded and expanded, or two new greenfield sites.
• Phase II is contingent upon the successful completion of Phase I and the Consultant’s performance. Phase II, if undertaken, will include detailed physical site assessments of the two identified high-potential sites, along with a strategic environmental and social impact assessment, as well as demand and market assessments.
• Building on Phase II, Phase III will focus on Project Financial Analysis (based on estimated costs for building and operating the SEZs with free customs areas, as well as estimation of their associated revenue streams), along with a high-level Conceptual Master Plan, and the development of a Project Funding and Governance Strategy (including review of alternative financing and governance options) for the two selected SEZs. Finally, interest from developers/operators will be assessed, along with possible engagement strategies.

The overall objective of this assignment is to select two sites for SEZ development in Uzbekistan and conduct a prefeasibility analysis for these sites with consideration of their links to the Middle Corridor.

The assignment will be conducted in three phases.

• Phase I will involve development of relevant site screening criteria for the pre-selection of two high-potential sites for SEZ establishment based on available data.  This should be followed by long-listing and basic assessment of various proposed sites on this basis, with a view to screening of said long-listed sites to determine the two with the highest potential for success. This stage of the assignment will seek to determine whether there is a “prima facie” case for the two proposed SEZ sites, based on a basic “proof of concept” approach. The study will, to this end, rely in particular on expert document reviews, as well as expert qualitative economic, logistics and industry assessments, legal analysis, investment climate benchmarking and case studies of good-practice SEZs and industrial parks. It can be the site of an existing SEZ to be upgraded and expanded, or two new greenfield sites.
• Phase II is contingent upon the successful completion of Phase I and the Consultant’s performance. Phase II, if undertaken, will include detailed physical site assessments of the two identified high-potential sites, along with a strategic environmental and social impact assessment, as well as demand and market assessments.
• Building on Phase II, Phase III will focus on Project Financial Analysis (based on estimated costs for building and operating the SEZs with free customs areas, as well as estimation of their associated revenue streams), along with a high-level Conceptual Master Plan, and the development of a Project Funding and Governance Strategy (including review of alternative financing and governance options) for the two selected SEZs. Finally, interest from developers/operators will be assessed, along with possible engagement strategies.