THE ROLE OF FREE ECONOMIC ZONES IN ACCELERATING NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

This article examines the strategic role of Free Economic Zones (FEZs) as dynamic catalysts for national economic modernization and high-speed development. It explores the core mechanisms through which these specialized "islands" of competitive business conditions attract global capital, facilitate technological catch-up, and foster industrial transformation. By analyzing the 2026 economic landscape, the study highlights how FEZs facilitate approximately 30% of global trade and serve as laboratories for progressive reforms. Special emphasis is placed on Uzbekistan’s successful scaling of 23 large-scale FEZs and 348 small industrial zones, illustrating their impact on regional growth and foreign exchange inflows. The paper further evaluates global benchmarks such as Shenzhen and Jebel Ali, while addressing contemporary trends in AI-optimized logistics and green energy transitions. Finally, it discusses the governance challenges associated with the "enclave paradox" and proposes holistic countermeasures to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic advancement.