Panama city: The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), based in Dubai, has officially announced that Panama City will host its 12th annual World Congress from May 12th to 14th, 2026. The event is expected to gather over 1,500 policymakers, business leaders, and zone executives from around the world.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Congress will be inaugurated by Jos© Raºl Mulino, President of Panama, along with the presence of notable figures such as Bernardo Ar©valo de Le³n, President of Guatemala, and Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic. The assembly will also attract more than 20 ministers and senior government officials, providing a platform for high-level discussions on global trade, investment, and zone competitiveness.
Several international organization leaders will participate, including Gerd Mller from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Wamkele Mene of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Pedro Manuel Moreno from UN Trade and Development, Umberto de Pretto of the International Road Union, and Gilbert F. Houngbo from the International Labour Organization. The event aims to explore the role zones play in economic diversification, industrial development, and cross-border integration amid changing global dynamics.
The Congress theme, 'Free Zones in the new global operating model: Challenges and Opportunities,' aims to foster dialogue on how zones can drive resilient, digitally enabled, and sustainable growth. Organized in collaboration with the Government of Panama, the event underscores Panama's strategic position as a hub for international trade and investment.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World FZO, emphasized the organization's evolution over the past 12 years, highlighting its impact on shaping global trade and promoting economic zones as drivers of sustainable growth. He stressed the importance of innovation and digital transformation in enhancing competitiveness and attracting investment.
The Congress will feature roundtables, plenary sessions, and leadership dialogues focusing on digital transformation, sustainability, and regional value chains. Platforms such as the Caribbean and Latin America Ministerial Roundtables will delve into policy alignment and industrial cooperation strategies. Advanced technologies' role in competitiveness will be spotlighted through sessions like the Emerging Technologies Foresight Lab and Innovation Expo.
Milestone initiatives, including the Executive Leadership Programme and Global Ministerial Conference, aim to support policy dialogue and capacity building. Networking events and investor matchmaking sessions will promote partnerships and investment opportunities, reinforcing zones as pivotal platforms for resilience and innovation.
The World Free Zones Organization serves as an international cooperation body for economic zones, uniting free zones, special economic zones, and industrial parks with leaders from various sectors. Through collaboration, the organization aims to ensure zones are catalysts for global sustainable growth.
