A Health Impact Assessment Framework for Special Economic Zones in the Greater Mekong Subregion 1 / 55

Across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), there are over 500 special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial zones. Many have been strategically located along or near the GMS economic corridors. The estimated population associated with SEZ development and border areas of economic corridors is over 50 million people. The proposed health impact assessment (HIA) framework for SEZs in the GMS recognizes these areas as the economic engines of the subregion and aims to maximize benefits for all. Its aim is to provide enhanced guidance for identifying, mitigating and managing health risks and impacts related to this unprecedented industrial and economic development happening in and around SEZs. It seeks to address transboundary health issues associated with mobile and migrant worker populations. The framework does not seek to inform a decision on whether SEZ development should or should not occur. Rather, it proposes HIA as an effective SEZ management support tool to achieve optimum benefits for businesses and associated communities alike.