Special economic zones are a convenient way for host nations to introduce reforms gradually and in constrained areas. The flow of kickbacks and bribery can continue in the mainland, while new laws and rules are developed in the SEZ islands. Even better, the political oligarchy can receive rents from these new areas if they become successful.
That's a very positive way to look at it. But bribery is not the only aspect of normal politics you can leave behind in your special economic zone; you can also abridge, for example, import tariffs, labor laws, accountability for political corruption, and environmental regulations.
