World Free Zones Organization Strengthens Global Trade at 12th World Congress in Panama City
The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), based in Dubai, is set to convene its 12th annual World Congress from May 12 to 14, 2026, in Panama City. This significant event aims to gather over 1,500 leaders, including policymakers, business executives, and zone C-suite members, to discuss the future of trade, investment, and zone competitiveness.
High-Level Participation
The Congress will be inaugurated by His Excellency José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama, alongside His Excellency Bernardo Arévalo de León, President of Guatemala, and His Excellency Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic. The event will also host more than 20 ministers and senior government officials, as well as representatives from prominent multinational and multilateral organizations, facilitating high-level discussions on global trade and investment.
Notable figures from international organizations will participate, including Gerd Müller, Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA); and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Addressing Global Challenges
The Congress is expected to address pressing issues against a backdrop of changing geopolitical dynamics, rapid digitalization, and increasing sustainability demands. Discussions will focus on how free zones can enhance their roles as facilitators of economic diversification, industrial development, and cross-border integration.
Under the theme “Free Zones in the New Global Operating Model: Challenges and Opportunities,” the Congress will serve as a strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration. It aims to explore how zones can promote resilient, digitally enabled, and sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Panama’s Strategic Role
Organized in collaboration with the Government of Panama, the event underscores Panama’s significance as a gateway to the Americas and a pivotal hub for international trade, logistics, and investment.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World FZO, emphasized the organization’s evolution since its establishment in Dubai nearly 12 years ago. He noted that the World FZO has become a leading international body representing free and economic zones worldwide, largely due to Dubai’s forward-looking vision as a global trade and investment center.
Dr. Al Zarooni remarked that the Congress highlights the strategic importance of innovation and digital transformation in enhancing competitiveness and creating long-term value. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to fostering cross-sector collaboration, enabling zones to attract investment and drive diversification.
Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
As global trade dynamics continue to shift, Dr. Al Zarooni stressed the necessity of aligning on practical solutions to address emerging challenges while unlocking new opportunities. The Congress will provide a structured environment for knowledge exchange and policy dialogue, reinforcing the role of zones as platforms for innovation and inclusive economic growth.
The opening ceremony will feature Dr. Al Zarooni and other international leaders, setting the stage for discussions on the transformation of global trade and investment flows.
Program Highlights
The Congress will present a curated program of ministerial roundtables, plenary sessions, and leadership dialogues. Key themes will include digital transformation, sustainability, and regional value chains. Ministerial platforms such as the Caribbean Ministerial Roundtable and the BRICS+ Free Zones Roundtable will focus on policy alignment and investment strategies.
Advanced technologies will also be a focal point, with sessions like the Emerging Technologies Foresight Lab and the Innovation Expo exploring artificial intelligence and digital trade systems. Flagship panels will address critical topics such as leadership, trade connectivity, and green industrial transformation.
Milestone Initiatives
Several initiatives, including the Executive Leadership Programme and the Global Ministerial Conference, will support policy dialogue and capacity building. Investor matchmaking sessions and curated networking opportunities will facilitate partnerships and investment prospects, reinforcing the role of zones as platforms for resilience and sustainable economic growth.
The World Free Zones Organization serves as the international body for cooperation on economic zones, uniting free zones, special economic zones, and industrial parks with leaders from government, business, and civil society. Through knowledge-sharing and operational support, the organization aims to ensure that zones act as catalysts for sustainable growth worldwide.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-04-27 18:08:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk