World Free Zones Organization to Hold 12th Annual World Congress in Panama City
Dubai, 27th April, 2026 – The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) has announced that it will host its 12th annual World Congress from 12th to 14th May 2026 in Panama City, bringing together over 1,500 policymakers, business leaders, and zone C-suite executives from around the world.
The event will be officially opened by His Excellency José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama, in the presence of Bernardo Arévalo de León, President of the Republic of Guatemala, and Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic.
More than 20 ministers, senior government officials, and representatives from leading multinational and multilateral organisations are expected to participate in high-level dialogue on the future of global trade, investment, and zone competitiveness. The Congress will also feature major international figures such as 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); Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD); Umberto de Pretto, Secretary-General of the International Road Union (IRU); and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Amid the shifting landscape of geopolitical dynamics, accelerating digitalisation, and a pressing need for sustainability, the Congress will examine how economic zones can enhance their roles as drivers of diversification, industrial development, and cross-border integration.
This year’s Congress is themed: ‘Free Zones in the new global operating model: Challenges and Opportunities’. It will serve as a strategic platform for collaboration and dialogue on advancing resilient, digitally enabled, and sustainable growth within the rapidly evolving global economy.
Organised in partnership with the Government of Panama, the event underscores Panama’s strategic significance as a gateway to the Americas and a major hub for international trade, logistics, and investment.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World FZO, affirmed the Organization’s growing impact:
“Since its establishment in Dubai nearly 12 years ago, the World Free Zones Organization has strengthened its position as a leading international body representing free and economic zones worldwide. This progress has been driven by Dubai’s forward-looking vision and its standing as a global hub for trade and investment. As the Organization hosts its 12th World Congress in Panama, the event has evolved into a key platform that contributes to shaping the global trade agenda and advancing the role of economic zones as drivers of sustainable economic growth.”
He continued:
“The 12th edition of the Congress highlights the strategic importance of innovation, digital transformation and integrated economic ecosystems in enhancing competitiveness and creating long-term value. The World FZO remains committed to strengthening cross-sector collaboration, enabling future-ready zones to attract investment, drive diversification and reinforce their role as engines of resilient and inclusive economic development.”
Dr. Al Zarooni emphasized:
“The Congress provides a structured environment for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and partnership development, reinforcing the role of zones as platforms for innovation, investment and inclusive economic growth within the global economy.”
The opening ceremony will feature Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni alongside other international leaders, launching discussions on the transformation of global trade, investment flows, and the strategic role of economic zones.
The Congress will showcase a programme of ministerial roundtables, plenary sessions, and leadership dialogues addressing digital transformation, sustainability, and regional value chains. Key platforms include the Caribbean Ministerial Roundtable, Latin America Ministerial Roundtable, Mercosur Integration Roundtable, and the BRICS+ Free Zones Roundtable—all set to explore policy alignment, industrial cooperation, and investment strategies.
A highlight will be sessions focused on advanced technologies and competitiveness, such as the Emerging Technologies Foresight Lab and Innovation Expo, exploring artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, and digital trade systems. Flagship panels like The New Global Operating Model, Global Gateways, and Sustainability as a Competitive Edge will discuss leadership, trade connectivity, and green industrial transformation.
Several milestone initiatives—such as the Executive Leadership Programme and the Global Ministerial Conference—will support policy dialogue and capacity building, while investor matchmaking and targeted networking sessions will strengthen partnerships and unlock new investment opportunities. Collectively, these activities will reinforce the position of zones as engines for resilience, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
The World Free Zones Organization serves as the global platform for cooperation among free zones, special economic zones, and industrial parks, engaging leaders from government, business, and civil society to shape the future of trade, investment, and innovation. Through its knowledge sharing, networks, policy advocacy, and operational support, the Organisation continues to ensure that zones are catalytic players in sustainable global development.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
