The twelfth edition of the annual Congress of the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), held in Panama, emphasized the importance of these special areas transitioning from traditional models, based on incentives, towards integrated industrial ecosystems that promote innovation, renewable energy, green infrastructure and the principles of the circular economy.
This was one of the key points of the event that brought together, between the 12th and 14th of this month, in the Panamanian capital, more than two thousand business leaders, experts, general directors of economic zones, representatives of international organizations and senior officials from 60 countries, including 27 ministers, which consolidated the event as a global platform that contributes to defining the future of free and economic zones worldwide.
“The 12th edition of the World FZO World Congress in Panama marked a key milestone in the organization’s history, bringing together participants from around the world in an international dialogue that reflects the growing role of free zones as drivers of trade, investment, innovation and economic development,” said World FZO President Mohammed Al Zarooni.
Discussions during the annual conference focused on the impact of geopolitical changes, the restructuring of supply chains, digital transformation and sustainability requirements on the future of economic zones.
The event included a high-level ministerial meeting attended by the Vice President of Guatemala, Karin Herrera, in which the portfolio heads highlighted the growing importance of free zones as practical tools to support industrial policies, accelerate economic transformation, attract investment and improve competitiveness.
The sessions also looked at issues such as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven manufacturing, digital transformation, sustainable infrastructure, eco-industrial zones and the role of economic zones in supporting innovation, strengthening regional integration and developing modern value chains and production networks.
The specialized discussions also addressed new operating models for free zones, public-private partnerships and the development of business environments based on knowledge and technology, together with investment opportunities in the logistics, tourism, agribusiness and knowledge economy sectors.
“The debates, alliances and knowledge exchange witnessed during the congress reaffirm the importance of collective action to build a more resilient, sustainable and future-ready global economic ecosystem,” highlighted Al Zarooni.
In this regard, the signing of a memorandum was celebrated for the creation of a new regional association of zones in the Caribbean: the Caribbean Special Economic Zones Association (Cari-SEZA), which will focus on promoting modernization, strategic development, regional trade and investment cooperation through special economic zones (SEZs) throughout the Caribbean.
The founding signatories of Cari-SEZA are Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and the regional body Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies.
Additionally, UN Tourism and the World FZO presented a joint report on tourism special economic zones (SEZs), showing how existing zones can be targeted to boost investment in tourism, as well as the opportunity to create new zones specifically geared towards that sector.
The congress included the meeting of the World FZO Annual General Assembly, which “adopted a set of strategic resolutions aimed at strengthening the organization’s operational framework and consolidating its global network of free zones. In addition, elections were held for the new board of directors.”
The 13th annual World FZO World Congress will be held in 2027 in the Dominican Republic, while the United Arab Emirates will host the 2028 edition in Dubai, the organization announced.
