World Free Zones Organization to Host 12th World Congress, Uniting 1,500 Leaders in Panama City
Dubai: The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), based in Dubai, has announced its 12th annual World Congress, scheduled for May 12 to 14, 2026, in Panama City. This significant event will gather over 1,500 policymakers, business leaders, and executives from free zones worldwide, aiming to shape the future of trade, investment, and zone competitiveness.
High-Level Participation and Global Dialogue
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 feature participation from more than 20 ministers and senior officials, facilitating high-level discussions on global trade and investment.
Notable international figures will also attend, 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). Their presence underscores the event’s importance in addressing the evolving landscape of global trade and investment.
Addressing Geopolitical and Economic Challenges
The Congress will take place amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, rapid digitalization, and increasing sustainability demands. It aims to explore how free zones can enhance their roles in 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, focusing on fostering resilient, digitally enabled, and sustainable growth in a rapidly changing global economy.
Panama’s Strategic Role in International Trade
Organized in partnership with the Government of Panama, the event highlights the nation’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 stated that the World FZO has become a leading international body representing free and economic zones globally, driven by Dubai’s vision as a trade and investment hub.
Dr. Al Zarooni noted that the upcoming Congress will play a crucial role in shaping the global trade agenda and enhancing the role of economic zones in promoting sustainable economic growth. He highlighted the importance of innovation and digital transformation in enhancing competitiveness and creating long-term value.
Focus on Innovation and Sustainable Growth
As global trade dynamics evolve, Dr. Al Zarooni stressed the need for practical solutions to emerging challenges while unlocking new opportunities. The Congress will provide a structured environment for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and partnership development, 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, marking the beginning of discussions on the transformation of global trade and investment flows.
Comprehensive Program of Sessions and Initiatives
The Congress will offer a carefully curated program that includes ministerial roundtables, plenary sessions, and leadership dialogues. Topics will cover digital transformation, sustainability, and regional value chains. Specific ministerial platforms, such as the Caribbean Ministerial Roundtable and the MERCOSUR Integration 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 highlighting artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, and digital trade systems. Key panels, including “The New Global Operating Model” and “Sustainability as a Competitive Edge,” will address leadership and green industrial transformation.
Additionally, initiatives such as 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.
The Role of the World Free Zones Organization
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. Its mission is to shape the future of trade, investment, and innovation. Through knowledge-sharing and policy dialogue, the organization aims to ensure that zones act as catalysts for sustainable growth worldwide.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-04-27 18:08:00 • By the Editorial Desk
