The World Free Zones Organization holds the 12th session of its annual international conference in Panama

Dubai, May 14 / WAM / The activities of the 12th session of the annual international conference of the World Free Zones Organization were held in the Panamanian capital, Panama City, under the slogan “Free Zones According to the New Global Employment Model: Challenges and Opportunities”, and its discussions focused on the role of economic zones as major drivers in the areas of economic diversification, industrial development and cross-border integration.

His Excellency José Raul Molino, President of the Republic of Panama, opened the 12th session of the international conference of the organization, which is headquartered in Dubai, in the presence of His Excellency Luis Abi Nader, President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al Zarouni, President of the World Free Zones Organization, more than 27 ministers from various countries and more than 2,000 participants from global and regional business leaders, experts, CEOs of economic zones from around the world, representatives of international organizations and government officials. From more than 70 countries.

During the keynote speech of the conference, His Excellency Jose Raul Molino welcomed the organization of the conference activities this year in Panama, expressing his happiness at hosting government and business leaders and representatives of free zones from all over the world. His Excellency also affirmed his firm belief that free zones enhance economic freedom, contribute to stimulating global trade, and represent a major engine for progress at the national level. He also stressed that investment is the real engine of development, providing wealth, and enhancing purchasing power.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, President of the World Free Zones Organization, praised the role of the Republic of Panama as a main gateway to the Americas, and a vital center for global trade, logistics services and investment. He expressed his appreciation to the government of the Republic of Panama for its participation in organizing the event, and said in his opening speech: “Inspired by the vision of Dubai from which it began, the World Free Zones Organization continues its role in leading the global dialogue on the future of free and economic zones in light of the rapid transformations witnessed by the global economy, in which we are living today in an important phase.” In his journey… the trade movement is witnessing rapid transformations in an increasingly complex world in light of economic and geopolitical tensions, which requires the restructuring of supply chains to ensure the continuation of the trade movement and its adaptation to the surrounding changes. In this changing world, free zones are more important than ever, as they help companies adapt, access new markets, and continue to grow even in volatile environments and conditions.”

He added: “We must be aware of the magnitude of the data surrounding us. Geopolitical variables are reshaping the paths of trade and investment flows, in addition to technology that is causing rapid transformation in various sectors. Regulatory requirements are also increasing, especially in the areas of transparency, sustainability and compliance. At the same time, competition between free zones has become stronger, and distinction has become an essential factor for success. Today, free zones are required to specialize and provide greater and more advanced value than ever before.”

Al Zarouni pointed to the most prominent transformations that the free zone sector is witnessing at the current stage, including the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence, and its role in developing customs operations, as well as in predicting the movement of logistics services, automating compliance processes, and enhancing the investor experience. His Excellency also touched on the issue of sustainability, noting the opportunities available to free zones in attracting green industries, supporting environmentally friendly production activities, and helping companies grow in a more sustainable manner.

The President of the World Free Zones Organization concluded his speech by emphasizing that free zones are no longer viewed by governments as regulatory tools, but rather as strategic assets capable of leading transformation, attracting innovation, and supporting long-term growth, which requires stronger partnerships, broader dialogue, and greater flexibility to ensure that policies keep pace with the speed of business development, calling on the public and private sectors to work together for a better and more prosperous future for free zones around the world.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding establishing the Special Economic Zones Organization in the Caribbean, which was signed by a number of ministers, officials and decision-makers in the Caribbean region. Under the understanding, the founding parties will cooperate in building the legal and operational framework of the organization, including establishing governance frameworks and institutional standards, launching regional cooperation initiatives and communicating with various stakeholders.

The organization will serve as the unified voice of the Caribbean region in global discussions on special economic zones, trade, investment and economic development, while supporting the exchange of experiences and promoting long-term cooperation between the public and private sectors.

During the conference, the World Free Zones Organization announced the expansion of the services of the One Zone digital platform, by launching the platform’s new website and members’ portal. The platform aims to enhance global connectivity, increase member interaction, and exchange knowledge among the free zone community. The platform brings together a set of key services, including accreditation and training systems, research and advisory services, and performance measurement indicators, within a smooth and secure digital environment, thus enhancing the role of the World Free Zones Organization in facilitating trade and investment and supporting sustainable economic growth worldwide.

The World Free Zones Organization cooperated with the INCAE Business School to offer an executive leadership program dedicated to CEOs and senior leaders in free zones, with the participation of about 700 participants from around the world. In a first of its kind within the conference’s work, participants received digital certificates of participation issued by the INCAE Business School, in the first official integration of accredited executive education programs within the World Organization of Free Zones conference program.

The conference activities witnessed the issuance of a joint research paper between the World Free Zones Organization and the United Nations Tourism Organization on tourism special economic zones, which is considered the most comprehensive of its kind, and sheds light on the mechanisms of their work and their future potential, and includes the results of questionnaires, interviews and case studies that combine global visions, practical experiences and emerging models from various regions around the world.

The lessons learned included in the research paper represent an important basis for decision makers and entities wishing to develop the next generation of tourism investment strategies, with the growing opportunities for exploring tourism special economic zones as part of countries’ development strategies, through integrating the tourism sector and the economic zones approach in a studied and organized manner.

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