Each year, the UK-based international investment publication fDi Intelligence releases its “Global Free Zones of the Year” report, evaluating the performance and impact of special economic zones (SEZs) around the world across multiple categories.
In this year’s edition, the Ventspils Freeport Authority was highlighted and received special recognition for its sector-oriented investment attraction strategy.
The “Global Free Zones of the Year” study assesses SEZs in several categories — Best Industrial Zones, Best Training Zones, Rising Stars, and Most Sustainable Zones. In each category, two leaders are chosen across four world regions — the Middle East, Europe, Africa & Pacific, and the Americas (North and South America) — along with global category winners.
In addition, the publication recognizes overall winners and zones with special commendations for outstanding performance in specific initiatives. This year, Ventspils Freeport was among those commended — the only special economic zone in the Baltic States to receive such recognition in 2025.
Jury member Joy Priya praised the Ventspils Freeport Authority, emphasizing that
the port has adopted a specifically designed, sector-focused investment and cluster development strategy
targeting key renewable energy, ICT, and manufacturing sectors within its zone. “This includes tailored incentives, infrastructure resources, and services, as well as marketing activities aligned with the clusters they aim to develop,” said Priya.
fDi Intelligence has previously recognized the achievements of Ventspils Freeport. In 2024, the port received a special mention for its involvement in developing offshore wind energy projects in the Baltic Sea region. In 2019, it was named the best location worldwide for large tenant business development and the second-best in Europe for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
fDi Intelligence, a London-based publication focused on foreign direct investment (FDI) and financial news, operates in collaboration with the Financial Times. Each year, it compiles and analyzes data on SEZs globally, identifying trends and highlighting those considered by the jury to be the most successful.
The Ventspils Freeport is Latvia’s second-largest port by cargo throughput and one of the country’s leading industrial centers. Its strategic development concept envisions transforming the port from a fossil fuel transit hub into an “energy port”, integrating fossil energy, renewables, and hydrogen economy elements, as well as food production as a source of energy.
Read also: Cargo volume at the Port of Ventspils increases by 15% in nine months