10th Annual World FZO World Congress To Feature Global Leaders Discussing Free Zones And Economic Strategies

The World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO) is set to host its 10th annual World Congress under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Scheduled from 23rd to 25th September at Madinat Jumeirah Conference and Events Centre, the event will gather experts, decision-makers, investors, and academics globally. Over 35 speakers will discuss trends, technologies, and innovations impacting free zones.

On the first day, a strategic session titled ‘The Future Role of AI and New Technologies in Global Trade 2.0’ will feature 30 ministers and CEOs. Participants include Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World FZO; and Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The official opening ceremony on the second day will feature keynote addresses by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni; Gerhard Schröder, Former Chancellor of Germany; Jim Hagemann Snabe, Chairman of Siemens; Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA; and John Defterios, former CNN anchor. They will present this year’s congress message and objectives.

Throughout the second and third days, five plenary sessions and eight side stream sessions will take place alongside focused events. These sessions will involve VIP speakers and top-level business leaders discussing logistics services, economic zones, investment opportunities, and more.

A session titled ‘The Future of Logistics’ will include Radu Dinescu from the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and Dr. Holger Bingmann from France’s International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Another session on ‘The Future of Access to Finance’ will cover FinTech trends with contributions from Dr. Sidi Ould Taha of BADEA and Santiago Rojas Arroyo from IDB.

‘The Future of Energy’ session will address sustainable energy transitions with Joseph McMonigle from the International Energy Forum and Eng. Nawal Yousif Alhanaee from the UAE Ministry of Energy among others. Discussions aim to offer solutions for energy challenges in free zones.

Technological Advancements in Manufacturing

The session ‘The Future of Manufacturing’ will explore technological advancements revolutionising traditional manufacturing models. Key participants include Manuel Tovar Rivera from Costa Rica's Ministry of Foreign Trade; Badr Salim Sultan Al Olama from Abu Dhabi Investment Office; and Steven Spence Marshall, former Premier of South Australia.

A session on ‘The Future of Digital’ will feature Dr. Jean-Michel Mrusek formerly with Siemens Digital Factory; Hazem Jalal from PwC; Dr. Akram Nour from ECSZA; and Richard Bolwijn from UNCTAD discussing digital transformation impacts.

Impact on Global Economic Growth

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni stated: "The 10th edition highlights Dubai’s crucial role in global trade." He emphasised that this Congress reflects a decade-long success in shaping global trade while marking a milestone in driving growth worldwide.

Al Zarooni added: "Exceptional participation plays a pivotal role in shaping free zones' future globally." The Congress aims to enhance economic progress by empowering free zones worldwide through sustainability-focused strategies.

With inputs from WAM