More than 700 economic zones were invited to respond to a survey requesting both qualitative and quantitative data regarding their zones. The obtained information was evaluated under eight categories of criteria, such as Economic Potential, Cost Effectiveness, Marketing etc. For further evaluation, the initial list of 700 was reduced to 66 free zones that were finally judged and evaluated by an independent judging panel.

According to the findings, the Free Port of Ventspils has been ranked the fifth best Free Zone of the Future 2010/2011, which means ranking the fifth of the most prospective free zones . It must be noted that no other European free zone had been even among the top 10. In terms of cost effectiveness the Free Port of Ventspils has been ranked the fourth, while under the category „Best Port Zone” – the fifth. The survey has also given high scores to the promotion strategy of the Free Port of Ventspils, which has been evaluated as the seventh best globally.

The outcomes of this survey mean a great success of the Free Port of Ventspils, as the positive evaluation of the work in developing the infrastructure, the targeted and purposeful marketing, as well as obliging attitude towards potential business partners and investors is the best evidence to the fact that the Free Port of Ventspils as a globally competitive port is a great place for investors to start their business development.

To see the full ranking report visit the home page of fDi Magazine on the Internet: http://www.fdimagazine.com/cp/30/Global_Free_Zones_of_the_Future_2010-11.pdf