Success and the City: How charter cities could transform the developing world

Introduction

A charter city is a new type of special reform zone. It extends the concept of a special economic zone by increasing its size to the scale of a city and expanding the scope of its reforms. During this century of rapid urbanization, charter cities can offer families in the developing world an option that far too many currently lack: a choice between several well-run cities, each of which is competing to attract them as residents. This combination of choice and competition is the best strategy for improving the worldwide quality of life.

Honduras recently took bold steps toward establishing a new reform zone, based in part on the charter cities concept. The goal is to try new reforms in a new city that can offer a safer and economically dynamic alternative for families who currently lack good options. Should the new city succeed, it can demonstrate the potential for reform elsewhere in Honduras, much as British-run Hong Kong helped to inspire reform and development in China. As a leader in the Americas, Canada can partner with other countries to help Honduras achieve this goal, not with traditional aid or charity, but with the institutional know-how that supports economic prosperity and the rule of law.

https://www.macdonaldlaurier.ca/files/pdf/How-charter-cities-could-transform-the-developing-world-April-2012.pdf