Teade

12th WORLD CONGRESS 12 - 14 May 2026 Panama City, Panama

Congress Theme

FREE ZONES IN THE NEW GLOBAL OPERATING MODEL: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The 21st-century economic landscape is being transformed by rapid technological change, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and pressing sustainability imperatives. Global trade is shifting from a long era of liberalization and hyper-globalization to a more multipolar, security-aware, digitally mediated system. This transition is fostering negative public sentiment toward trade, driven by detrimental distribution impact, security concerns, climate policy frictions, and shifting industrial policy. If unmanaged, these dynamics can suppress investment, fragment markets, and slow productivity. Free Zones and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can act as economic stabilizers and innovation sandboxes in this transition.

Congress Vision

The 12th World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) World Congress 2026 will convene global leaders, policymakers, free zone executives, and investors to explore the new frontiers of trade, innovation, public policy, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Building upon the success of World Congress 2025 in Hainan-China, the World Congress 2026 positions Panama as a global platform for transformation — the Gateway to the Americas — this landmark edition will explore how visionary leadership, institutional collaboration, and private enterprise can unlock actionable solutions for free zones to shape the next era of global growth as laboratories of transformation.

Emerging industrial paradigms create opportunities for free zones

1. Knowledge and Innovation Economies

As intangible assets become the norm, zones must become incubators of R&D ecosystems, startups, and talent to power innovation-led industries

2. Digital and AI-Driven Manufacturing

Automation, data analytics, and intelligent systems are creating smart manufacturing operations that zones can support with high-end digital backbones

3. Green Industrial Transition

Circular economy practices, renewable energy, and carbon-neutral operations are now essential drivers of global competitiveness that free zones must be able to offer

4. Regional Value Hubs

In an era of supply chain reconfiguration, zones have a unique opportunity to serve as anchors for production resilience and regional logistics integration

The World Free Zones Organization has identified growth vectors for free zones

1. Innovation Catalysts: Pioneering regulatory sandboxes for technologies such as AI, blockchain, and clean tech

2. Public-Private Collaboration: Acting as platforms that connect governments, industries, and academia to co-design modern trade and industrial policies

3. Sustainability Leadership: Embedding ESG frameworks into zones operations provide a global reference for responsible industrial growth

4. Talent and Skills Development: Establishing continuous learning ecosystems to help build a digitally skilled and adaptable workforce

There are important challenges ahead that we will discuss in Panama

1. Regulatory Adaptation: Policies must evolve to address digital trade, data governance, and environmental compliance

2. Investment Competition: Shifting global capital dynamics mean investor trust drives investment, putting pressure on free zones to stand out

3. Infrastructure Modernization: Integration of digital, energy, and physical infrastructure is critical to supporting next-generation industrial clusters

4. Inclusive Growth: Free zones need to ensure and to demonstrate that transformation benefits local communities, SMEs, and regional economies.

These are the strategic elements that we will explore together to find ways for zones to consolidate their unique position and offer high-value solutions to their current and future tenants.

Agenda Overview

Global trade is undergoing a structural transition from pure efficiency-driven globalization to a more resilience- oriented and regionally anchored model. Firms are diversifying suppliers and production bases to manage geopolitical and logistical risks, while governments reassert themselves through industrial policies and strategic subsidies that reshape competitive advantage. At the same time, services, data, and digital trade are overtaking goods as the main growth drivers, even as divergent standards, security controls, and carbon-related trade

measures create new frictions and non-tariff barriers. These shifts raise costs but also open opportunities for regions that can combine resilience, digital integration, and sustainability.

To foster confidence and drive competitiveness, the WorldFZO will lead a pragmatic agenda that combines global openness with local values. Key measures include helping to build interoperable trade systems and digital “single windows,” channeling investment into zone-level green infrastructure and data transparency and supporting development of regional skills and mobility pipelines. In this manner, Zones can showcase a new model of resilient, low-carbon, and socially anchored trade, leveraging transparency and innovative supply architectures to demonstrate that global trade can be both sustainable and inclusive while prosperous for all involved.

Day 1 - Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Registration Open 08:30 - 18:00 Vestibulo

Exhibition Open 09:00 - 18:00 America Sala 1/2

Executive Leadership Program 10:00 - 17:00 America Sala 3

An exclusive pre-inaugural program for CEOs, ministers, and Zone leaders focused on transformative leadership for an era of disruption and opportunity:

Designed and conducted by leading global business school representatives Lead with Vision and Purpose: Gain the mindset and models to navigate disruption through an adaptive, purpose-driven leadership masterclass on strategic foresight Master Complexity and Collaboration: Build agility and emotional intelligence in immersive workshops while exploring geopolitics, trade, and trust in a multipolar world through case studies and simulations. Inspire and Transform: Capture insights from a world-renowned thought leader and earn certification recognizing your readiness to lead transformative change globally

Directors:

Francisco Loscos, professor, Department People & Organization Management, ESADE, Spain Cesare Zingone, CEO, Zeta Group, Costa Rica

Keynote speaker:

Dr. Matthew Stephenson, CEO, World Free Zones Organization, United Arab Emirates Jochen Knecht, CEO, IFZA Global, United Arab Emirates

Session Speakers:

Víctor Umaña Vargas (Geo-economic Vision), Consultant, Switzerland. Ramiro Casó (Building Trust-Based Scenarios in Free Zones Through Commitment), Senior Research Fellow, INCAE, Costa Rica. Carla Fernández (Leading Through Artificial Intelligence), Senior Director of Executive Education & INCAE Online, INCAE, Costa Rica. Luciano Ciravegna (Opportunities at the Global Epicenter of Free Zones), Steve Aronson Chair in Strategy and Agribusiness, INCAE, Costa Rica.

BRICS+ Free Zone Roundtable 10:00 - 12:00 Caribe 4

Pioneering Next-Gen Operations for Shared Prosperity

A strategic continuation of high-level cooperation initiated during the 2024 Congress and reinforced by the Kazan Declaration of the XVI BRICS Summit. Positioned at the intersection of economic diplomacy, industrial policy, and global trade transformation, the roundtable will bring together governments, investors, SEZ developers, and industry leaders to define coordinated investment frameworks, localized manufacturing, digital and green transition strategies, and multilateral trade mechanisms among BRICS+ economies. Set against a backdrop of geopolitical tariff pressures and a growing shift toward local-currency trade through resilient supply chains, the session aims to generate actionable policy direction on free zone governance, ESG and AI-enabled operational models, intellectual property protection, and public-private collaboration. It is further expected to position Special Economic Zones as critical infrastructure for multipolar growth, South- South cooperation, and next-generation global economic integration.

Moderator: Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, EPCES, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, India

Speakers:

Pan Li, Vice Chairman, China National Association of Free Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones, China Helson Cavalcante Braga, President, ABRAZPE, Brazil

Mercosur Integration Roundtable 10:00 - 12:00 Caribe 3

The New Role of Free Zones

A high-level ministerial platform to reposition Mercosur as a unified and competitive logistics and production bloc within the global reconfiguration of value chains and accelerating nearshoring trends. Bringing together ministers, multilateral development banks, free zone authorities, and private-sector leaders, the roundtable is strategically designed to advance policy alignment on free zone interoperability, origin certification, regulatory harmonization, and long-term legal frameworks for foreign investment. Discussions will further address coordinated financing mechanisms for sustainable Industry 4.0 free zones, infrastructure integration through bi-oceanic corridors, and enhanced compliance frameworks to position free zones as secure and transparent trade gateways. Supported by validated regional success models, the session is expected to culminate in a Ministerial Communiqué defining actionable policy direction to transform Mercosur free zones into critical infrastructure for trade integration, investment mobilization, and sustainable economic development across the region.

Speakers:

Lisandro Ganuza, Public Affairs Director, Zona Franca Santafesina, Argentina Enrique Buero, President, Uruguayan Chamber of Free Trade Zones, Uruguay Helson Cavalcante Braga, President, ABRAZPE, Brazil Pedro Cespedes, President, Zona Franca Global, Paraguay

Caribbean Minister Roundtable 10:00 - 12:00 Pacifico 4/5

A focus on the particular challenges facing island territories in the Caribbean region, particularly in light of environmental impacts on local economies, capability building opportunities, and specific trade opportunities across physical and intellectual sectors.

Moderator: Courtney Fingar, Founder, Fingar Direct Investment, UK

Chairperson: Aubyn Hill, Minister, Minister of Industry, Investment, & Commerce, Jamaica

Speakers:

Kelli Dawn Hamilton, CEO, Jamaica Special Economic Zones Authority, Jamaica Kaye Greenidge, President CAIPA & Chief Executive Officer, Invest Barbados, Barbados Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE, President, NAFTZ-National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, USA Richard Bolwijn, Head, Investment Research Branch, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD, Switzerland

Networking Break in Exhibition 11:00 - 11:30 America Sala 1/2

Lunch 12:30 - 13:30 America Sala 1/2

Global Ministerial Conference 14:00 - 16:00 Pacifico 4/5

New industrial development strategies and free zones

An examination of how modern free zones combined with evolving industrial strategies can drive growth amid regulatory, logistical, and geopolitical challenges. It will focus on digitalization, green production, and investment attraction, fostering dialogue on best practices and policies for a new generation of resilient, sustainable economic zones.

Moderator: James Zhan, Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the World FZO, Switzerland

Chairperson: Julio A. Moltó A., Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), Panama

Speakers:

Karin Larissa Herrera Aguilar, Vice President, Guatemala

Networking Break in Exhibition 15:30 - 16:00 America Sala 1/2

WorldFZO Board Meeting 16:00 - 18:00 Caribe 6

Welcome Reception 18:00 - 20:00 America Sala 1/2

Day 2 - Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Registration Open 08:00 - 17:00 Vestibulo

Exhibition Open 08:00 - 17:00 America Sala 1/2

Opening Remarks 08:30 - 09:00 America Sala 3

Welcome address and presentation from World FZO CEO Dr. Matthew Stephenson.

Panel One 09:00 - 10:15 America Sala 3

Presentation: "Reimagining Investable Destinations: An Approach to Tourism Special Economic Zones"

Peter Janech, Coordinator, Innovation, Education and Investments, UN Tourism, Spain

Panel 1: The New Global Operating Model – Leadership in Times of Transformation

In a rapidly changing global landscape marked by economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and shifting societal expectations, leadership is being redefined. The New Global Operating Model – Leadership in Times of Transformation will explore how both private and public sector leaders can navigate these complexities to drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. This high-level discussion will bring together visionary speakers to share strategies for fostering innovation, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and building adaptive institutions that can thrive amid volatility. The panel aims to uncover new models of leadership that not only respond to transformation but actively shape it—ensuring that industrial progress goes hand in hand with social prosperity and environmental responsibility.

Moderator: Courtney Fingar, Founder, Fingar Direct Investment, UK

Speakers:

Nan Li – Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Switzerland Luisa Napolitano – Managing Director Colon Free Zone, Panama Blanca Sorigue, Managing Director , Barcelona Free Zone, Catalonia, Spain Jochen Knecht, CEO, IFZA Global, United Arab Emirates

Networking Break in Exhibition 10:15 - 10:45 America Sala 1/2

Opening Ceremony 10:45 - 11:30 America Sala 3

Official Inauguration with World FZO Leadership and the Government of Panama.

Speakers:

HE José Raúl Mulino Quintero - President of the Republic of Panama HE Luis Abinader – President of the Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, ILO, Switzerland. Pedro Manuel Moreno – Acting Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Switzerland Gerd Müller, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Austria Sergio Díaz-Granados – Executive President, CAF -Development Bank of Latin America, Panama Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, Chairman, World FZO, United Arab Emirates Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman, IFZA, United Arab Emirates

Panel Two 11:30 - 12:45 America Sala 3

Presentation: Panama - Costa Rica Rail Corridor

Presenters:

Henry Faarup, Secretary General, National Railway Secretariat of Panama, Panama Hans Ardón, Founder, FASTER, Costa Rica

Panel 2: Global Gateways – Redefining the Future of Trade and Connectivity

As global supply chains evolve in the face of AI advances, evolving trade dynamics, and new geopolitical realities, the world’s logistics hubs are becoming the nerve centers of economic resilience and connectivity. Global Gateways – Redefining the Future of Trade and Connectivity will examine how Zones and their surrounding ecosystems can drive a new era of integrated, efficient, and sustainable global trade. This panel will convene leading experts, policymakers, and industry innovators to discuss how advanced infrastructure, digital trade platforms, and smart logistics are transforming global commerce. Participants will explore strategies to enhance resilience, inclusivity, and competitiveness—positioning Zones as catalysts for a more connected and agile global economy.

Moderator: Ivana Fernandes Duarte, Central America Regional Country Manager, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Panama

Speakers:

Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General, IRU, Switzerland DP World Representative, DP World, UAE Angel Alberto Sanchez Chiappetto, Vice-President, FIATA, Switzerland Dr. Paul Kent, Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Ports and Logistics, Monument Economics Group, USA Richard Bolwijn, Head, Investment Research Branch, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD, Switzerland Walter Trezek, Founder & CEO, Facilitating Digital commerce & Digital Logistics, Austria

Lunch 12:45 - 14:00 America Sala 1/2

Breakout Session One 14:00 - 15:15 America Sala 3

Presentation: The Gateway for Regional Logistics & Business Expansion

Presenter: Rupert Chue, CEO, Tailwind Corporation (Jamaica) LTD

Emerging Technogies Foresight Lab

Explore how emerging technologies are transforming industries, value chains, and supply chains through interactive roundtables and foresight simulations inspired by Latin American case studies. This lab examines the impact of AI, advanced analytics, automation, IoT, digital twins, robotics, and other disruptive innovations on production systems, trade flows, logistics, and regional competitiveness. Designed for policymakers, business leaders, and industry stakeholders, it offers a space to anticipate technological shifts, assess strategic implications, and identify new opportunities for innovation, resilience, and growth.

Facilitator: Juan Opertti, Managing Director, HEMISTION S.A., Uruguay

Speakers:

Martin Dovat, General Manager, Zonamerica, Uruguay Lati Matata, Director , UPU Postal Technology Center, UPU, Switzerland Raimund Klein, CEO, International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT), Singapore Aparajitha Reger-Flores, SMD and Head of Strategy Execution & Organizational Performance, Ankura, USA Leticia Arias, Partner, Tax Services | Lead, Latam Office of Strategic Execution (OSE), EY Latam, Panama

Breakout Session Two 14:00 - 15:15 Istmo 1/2

Presentation: The Largest Private Free Trade Zone in Panama

Presenter: Panapark Free Zone

Free Zones and Eco-Industrial Parks: Competitiveness and Sustainability

Explore how the implementation of ESG principles translates into measurable business impact through case studies and localized value models from across Latin America. Participants will analyze how green initiatives — from renewable energy integration to sustainable sourcing — can strengthen profitability, attract global investors, and position free zones as catalysts of responsible industrial growth.

Facilitator: César Barahona, International Coordinator, GEIPP, UNIDO, Austria

Speakers:

Christian Susan, Cross-Disciplinary Team on Industrial Parks-CDTIP, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO, Austria Henry Kardonski, CEO, Panama Pacifico, Panama Bernard Gilchrist, CEO, Zona Franca Parque Central, Colombia Mónica Rivera, Deputy General Manager, Indupark, Peru

Breakout Session Three 14:00 - 15:15 Istmo 3/4

Presentation: Luanda Bengo Special Economic Zone - Overview and Business Opportunities

Presenter: Ricardo de Carvalho, Director of Business Affairs and Development, Luanda Bengo Special Economic Zone

Public-Private Collaboration for the Next Industrial Era

Discover innovative frameworks for collaboration between private enterprise and public institutions in a shifting fiscal and financial landscape. This workshop showcases Latin American examples of joint ventures, infrastructure co-financing, and policy innovation, offering participants live business modelling exercises to design resilient, inclusive partnerships for the industries of tomorrow.

Facilitator: Nicolas Forzy. General Manager, Malakai Consulting Group, France

Speakers:

José T. Contreras, Executive Vice-President, Latin American Free Zone Investments Dominicana, Dominican Republic Cesare Zingone, CEO, Zeta Group, Costa Rica Javier Suarez, Administrator, Panama Pacifico Agency, Panama. Dr Robert Millard, Director, Cambridge Strategy Group, United Kingdom Alexander Thern-Svanberg, Secretary, UPU Consultative Committee, Switzerland

Latin America Minister Roundtable 14:30 - 16:30 Pacifico 4/5

A similar focus on the unique challenges for free zones operating on the Latin American continent, particularly innovation, digitalization, new trends in international trade and nearshoring, along with key elements to drive foreign investment and competitiveness. Sustainability and energy efficiency will also form core topics alongside the role of public-private partnerships in long-term regulatory policies.

Moderator: Martin Ibarra, President, Araujo Ibarra, Colombia

Chairperson: Julio A. Moltó A., Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), Panama

Speakers:

Tomas Bermudez, General Manager, Regional Country Department Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, IDB, USA

Networking Break in Exhibition 15:15 - 15:45 America Sala 1/2

Panel Three 15:45 - 17:00 America Sala 3

Panel 3: Sustainability as a Competitive Edge – The Green Industrial Transition

The global economy is progressing toward a low-carbon future where sustainability will no longer be just a moral imperative—it will become a defining source of competitive advantage. Sustainability as a Competitive Edge – The Green Industrial Transition will explore how Zones can serve as innovation laboratories for green transformation, pioneering new models of circular economy and resource efficiency. This session will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts to discuss practical pathways for reducing emissions, attracting green investment, and fostering climate-smart industries. By leveraging their unique regulatory flexibility and collaborative ecosystems, Zones can accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies and set the standard for environmentally responsible growth across global value chains.

Moderator: Esther, Corral, Regional Head for Latin America & the Caribbean, UN Global Compact, Panama

Speakers:

Carlos Wong – General Director, Coyol Free Zone, Costa Rica Raimund Klein, CEO, International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT), Singapore Pere Navarro, Special State Delegate, Barcelona Free Zone Consortium, Catalonia, Spain Christian Susan, UNIDO Cross-Disciplinary Team on Industrial Parks-CDTIP, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO, Austria Vuong Thi Minh Hieu, Deputy General Director, Department of Economic Zones Management, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam Henry Kardonski, CEO, Panama Pacifico, Panama

Gala Dinner 19:00 - 22:00 America Sala 3

Day 3 – Thursday, 14 May 2026

Exhibition Open 08:30 - 14:00 America Sala 1/2

Breakout Session Four 09:00 - 10:15 America Sala 3

Presentation: AECFTZ: Nigeria’s Industrial Gateway to Africa

Presenter: Sanni Abdullahi Ozomata, DVM, M.Tech, Msc, PhD, Technical advisor to Kogi State Governor, Ajaokuta Economic City

Unlocking Value in Agro-industries – Sustainable Resource-Based Free Zones

Explore how free zones can drive sustainable growth in agriculture and food security. This workshop focuses on creating value-added supply chains at the source, integrating green technologies, and building export- oriented clusters hand in hand with government partners that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Attendees will examine different models for attracting investment, ensuring traceability, and leveraging digital tools to modernize resource industries.

Facilitator: Martin Ibarra, President, Araujo Ibarra, Colombia

Speakers:

Victor Gonzalez, Director, GA&W, Paraguay Agustín Zimmermann, Country Representative, FAO, Italy

Breakout Session Five 09:00 - 10:15 Istmo 1/2

New Organisational Models for Free Zones: “From Zone Authority to Ecosystem Operator”

Traditional free zone models were built to deliver land, utilities, permits, and tax advantages. But zones competing for advanced industries increasingly need platform capabilities: venture-building, startup-to-scale support, university and lab partnerships, applied R&D, soft-landing programs, and integrated services that reduce time-to-market for investors. This session explores the next generation of zone governance and operating models, including holding-company structures, integrated economic zone authorities, developer- operator models, and public-private ecosystem partnerships—showing what it takes to remain competitive as investors demand speed, skills, innovation, and trusted governance.

Facilitator: Dr. Henry Loewendah, Founder & CEO, Lion Economics, UK

Speakers:

Paul Keely, Chief Financial Officer, DIEZ, United Arab Emirates Juan Pablo Rivera Cabal, Presidente / CE, Grupo ZFB, Colombia Khabib Abdullaev, Counselor, Navoi International Airport Free Trade Zone., Uzbekistan Rafael Molina, SMD Practice Leader Ankura Sovereign Advisors, Ankura, USA Emeka Ene, Chairman, Empower Free trade Zone, Nigeria Kaye Greenidge, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Barbados, Barbados

Breakout Session Six 09:00 - 10:15 Istmo 4/5

Anchoring Tourism and Culture in the Knowledge Economy

As global trade and services evolve, free zones are increasingly becoming hubs for finance, technology, and knowledge-based services. This workshop highlights opportunities for developing tourism and culture-based, service-oriented free zones with the right regulatory policies, enabling digital trade, and nurturing innovation ecosystems that attract talent and entrepreneurship. Participants will explore policy frameworks, digital infrastructure, and partnership models that position free zones as leaders in the global knowledge economy.

Facilitator: Juliana Villegas Restrepo, Director, International Promotion and Business Development, Colombia

Speakers:

Peter Janech, Coordinator, Innovation, Education and Investments, UN Tourism, Spain Liriola Pitti, CEO, AEI PANAMA, Panama Juan Carlos Abud, Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Jujuy, Argentina

Networking Break in Exhibition 10:15 - 15:45 America Sala 1/2

Panel Four 10:45 - 12:00 America Sala 3

Panel 4: From Supply Chains to Value Networks – Resilience and Regional Integration

In an era of geopolitical realignment and supply chain fragmentation, resilience and regional integration have become essential pillars of sustainable growth. From Supply Chains to Value Networks – Resilience and Regional Integration will explore how Zones can evolve from logistics and manufacturing hubs into strategic value networks that anchor regional cooperation and economic strength. The discussion will highlight how Zones can leverage their distinctive legal frameworks, geographic advantages, and investment incentives to build stronger, more agile regional ecosystems. Bringing together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, this panel will examine how enhanced connectivity and collaboration among Zones can mitigate global disruptions, boost competitiveness, and lay the foundation for a more balanced and interlinked global economy.

Moderator: Angelica Peña, Executive Director, Chamber of Free Trade Zone Users, Colombia

Speakers:

Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA, Ghana Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, EPCES, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, India Eduardo A. Arango, Vice Minister of Domestic Trade and Industries, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Panama Ahmed Bennis, Managing Director at Tanger Med Zones and Secretary General at Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO), Morocco Pan Li, Vice Chairman, China National Association of Free Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones, China

Closing Ceremony 12:00 - 12:30 America Sala 3

Lunch 12:45 - 14:00 America Sala 1/2

World FZO AGM 14:30 - 16:30 America Sala 3

WORLD FZO MEMBERS ONLY

Day 4 – Friday, 15 May 2026

Site Tour 09:00 - 18:00 Vestibulo

Site Visit Program – Atlantic Corridor

09:00 – Departure from Panama Convention Center (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes)

10:20 – 11:20 – Agua Clara Locks – Panama Canal (Atlantic Site) (1 hour) Located near Colón, the Agua Clara Locks are a visitor attraction on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. The site offers panoramic views of the expanded Neopanamax locks and Gatun Lake. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the transit of large vessels up close, alongside access to ecological trails, viewing platforms, and visitor facilities.

En route – Colón Free Zone Drive-Through Tour (approx. 20 minutes) A non-stop guided drive through the Colón Free Zone and France Field area, providing participants with a first-hand view of one of the world’s largest free trade zones and its commercial activity.

11:40 – 13:00 – Manzanillo International Terminal (Caribbean Site) (1 hour 20 minutes) Visit one of the region’s most strategic container and transshipment terminals, located at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. The terminal plays a critical role in connecting cargo flows across Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

Participants will observe live port operations, including the functioning of advanced container cranes. The visit includes light refreshments and a short presentation providing further insight into terminal operations.

13:25 – 14:30 – Colón Arts Center – Colón City (1 hour 5 minutes) A cultural welcome at the Colón Arts Center, featuring a traditional folkloric performance. The program concludes with a hosted lunch for participants.

Confirmed Speakers and Moderators

The following list reflects the speakers and moderators confirmed as of 10 March 2026. Additional participants are currently being finalized, and more names will be announced as confirmations are received.

Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, Chairman, World FZO, United Arab Emirates Agustín Zimmermann, Country Representative, FAO, Italy Ahmed Bennis, Managing Director at Tanger Med Zones and Secretary General at Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO), Morocco Alexander Thern-Svanberg, Secretary, UPU Consultative Committee, Switzerland Angel Alberto Sanchez Chiappetto, Vice-President, FIATA, Switzerland Angelica Peña, Executive Director, Chamber of Free Trade Zone Users, Colombia Aparajitha Reger-Flores, SMD and Head of Strategy Execution & Organizational Performance, Ankura, USA Bernard Gilchrist, CEO, Zona Franca Parque Central, Colombia Blanca Sorigue, Managing Director , Barcelona Free Zone, Catalonia, Spain Carla Fernández (Leading Through Artificial Intelligence), Senior Director of Executive Education & INCAE Online, INCAE, Costa Rica. Carlos Wong – General Director, Coyol Free Zone, Costa Rica César Barahona, International Coordinator, GEIPP, UNIDO, Austria Cesare Zingone, CEO, Zeta Group, Costa Rica

Christian Susan, UNIDO Cross-Disciplinary Team on Industrial Parks-CDTIP, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO, Austria Courtney Fingar, Founder, Fingar Direct Investment, United Kingdom Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization, Switzerland Dr Robert Millard, Director, Cambridge Strategy Group, United Kingdom Dr. Henry Loewendah, Founder & CEO, Lion Economics, United Kingdom Dr. Matthew Stephenson, CEO, World Free Zones Organization, United Arab Emirates Dr. Paul Kent, Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Ports and Logistics, Monument Economics Group, USA Eduardo A. Arango, Vice Minister of Domestic Trade and Industries, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Panama Emeka Ene, Chairman, Empower Free trade Zone, Nigeria Enrique Buero, President, Uruguayan Chamber of Free Trade Zones, Uruguay Esther, Corral, Regional Head for Latin America & the Caribbean, UN Global Compact, Panama Francisco Loscos, professor, Department People & Organization Management, ESADE, Spain Gerd Müller, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Austria Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, ILO, Switzerland. HE José Raúl Mulino Quintero - President of the Republic of Panama HE Luis Abinader – President of the Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic Helson Cavalcante Braga, President, ABRAZPE, Brazil Hans Ardón, Founder, FASTER, Costa Rica Henry Faarup, Secretary General, National Railway Secretariat of Panama, Panama Henry Kardonski, CEO, Panama Pacifico, Panama Hon Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister, Minister of Industry, Investment, & Commerce, Jamaica Ivana Fernandes Duarte, Central America Regional Country Manager, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Panama James Zhan, Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the World FZO, Switzerland Javier Suarez, Administrator, Panama Pacifico Agency, Panama. Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE, President, NAFTZ-National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, USA Jochen Knecht, CEO, IFZA Global, United Arab Emirates José T. Contreras, Executive Vice-President , Latin American Free Zone Investments Dominicana, Dominican Republic Juan Carlos Abud, Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Jujuy, Argentina Juan Opertti, Managing Director, HEMISTION S.A., Uruguay Juan Pablo Rivera Cabal, Presidente / CE, Grupo ZFB, Colombia Juliana Villegas Restrepo, Director, International Promotion and Business Development, Colombia Julio A. Moltó A., Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), Panama Kaye Greenidge, CEO, Invest Barbados, Barbados Kelli Dawn Hamilton, CEO, Jamaica Special Economic Zones Authority, Jamaica Khabib Abdullaev, Counselor, Navoi International Airport Free Trade Zone., Uzbekistan. Lati Matata, Director , UPU Postal Technology Center, UPU, Switzerland Liriola Pitti, CEO, AEI PANAMA, Panama Lisandro Ganuza, Public Affairs Director, Zona Franca Santafesina, Argentina Luciano Ciravegna (Opportunities at the Global Epicenter of Free Zones),Steve Aronson Chair in Strategy and Agribusiness, INCAE, Costa Rica. Luisa Napolitano – Managing Director Colon Free Zone, Panama Martin Dovat, General Manager, Zonamerica, Uruguay Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman, IFZA, United Arab Emirates Martin Ibarra, President, Araujo Ibarra, Colombia Mónica Rivera, Deputy General Manager, Indupark, Peru. Nan Li – Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Switzerland Nicolas Forzy. General Manager, Malakai Consulting Group, France Pan Li, Vice Chairman, China National Association of Free Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones, China Paul Keely, CFO, DIEZ, United Arab Emirates Pedro Cespedes, President, Zona Franca Global, Paraguay Pedro Manuel Moreno – Acting Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Switzerland Pere Navarro, Special State Delegate, Barcelona Free Zone Consortium, Catalonia, Spain

Peter Janech, Coordinator, Innovation, Education and Investments, UN Tourism, Spain Rafael Molina, SMD Practice Leader Ankura Sovereign Advisors, Ankura, USA Raimund Klein, CEO, International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT), Singapore Ramiro Casó (Building Trust-Based Scenarios in Free Zones Through Commitment), Senior Research Fellow, INCAE, Costa Rica. Richard Bolwijn, Head, Investment Research Branch, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD, Switzerland Sergio Díaz-Granados – Executive President, CAF -Development Bank of Latin America, Panama Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, EPCES, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, India Tomas Bermudez, General Manager, Regional Country Department Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, IDB, USA Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General, IRU, Switzerland Victor Gonzalez, Director, GA&W, Paraguay Víctor Umaña Vargas (Geo-economic Vision), Consultant, Switzerland. Vuong Thi Minh Hieu, Deputy General Director, Department of Economic Zones Management, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam Walter Trezek, Founder & CEO, Facilitating Digital commerce & Digital Logistics, Austria Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA, Ghana

Governments and Multilateral Organizations Representatives

Heads of states

HE José Raúl Mulino Quintero - President of the Republic of Panama HE Luis Abinader – President of the Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic

Governors, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers

Karin Larissa Herrera Aguilar, Vice President, Guatemala

Ministers, Vice-Ministers and State Ministers

Albert Bryan Jr., Governor, Office of the Governor, United States Virgin Islands Atong Kuol Manyang, Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Republic of South Sudan Aubyn Hill, Minister, Minister of Industry, Investment, & Commerce, Jamaica Eduardo Sanz Lovaton, Minister, Ministry of Industry and commerce, Dominican Republic República Dominicana Endalew Mekonen, State Minister, Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Epaminondas Marinakys, Minister of investment, Honduras Jason Hayward, Minister, Ministry of Economy and Labour, Bermuda Jose Fernando Reyes Llanos, Minister, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), Peru Juan Carlos Abud, Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Jujuy, Argentina Julio A. Moltó A., Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), Panama Peter R. Ramsaroop, M.P., Chief Investment Officer, Guyana Office for Investment, Guyana Qais bin Mohammed Al-Yousef, Chairman, Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, Oman Roderick Middelhof, Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Curaçao

Heads of Multilateral organizations

Gerd Müller, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Austria Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, ILO, Switzerland. Pedro Manuel Moreno – Acting Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Switzerland Sergio Díaz-Granados – Executive President, CAF -Development Bank of Latin America, Panama

Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General, IRU, Switzerland Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA, Ghana

Representatives of Multilateral Organizations

Agustín Zimmermann, Country Representative, FAO, Italy Alexander Thern-Svanberg, Secretary, UPU Consultative Committee, Switzerland Angel Alberto Sanchez Chiappetto, Vice-President, FIATA, Switzerland César Barahona, International Coordinator, GEIPP, UNIDO, Austria Christian Susan, UNIDO Cross-Disciplinary Team on Industrial Parks-CDTIP, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO, Austria Esther, Corral, Regional Head for Latin America & the Caribbean, UN Global Compact, Panama Ivana Fernandes Duarte, Central America Regional Country Manager, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Panama Lati Matata, Director , UPU Postal Technology Center, UPU, Switzerland Marjan Osvald, DDG, UPU, Switzerland Nan Li – Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Switzerland Peter Janech, Coordinator, Innovation, Education and Investments, UN Tourism, Spain Richard Bolwijn, Head, Investment Research Branch, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD, Switzerland Tomas Bermudez, General Manager, Regional Country Department Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, IDB, USA

Heads/Representatives of FZ Authorities/Associations

Ahmed Bennis, Managing Director at Tanger Med Zones and Secretary General at Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO), Morocco Angelica Peña, Executive Director, Chamber of Free Trade Zone Users, Colombia Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Nigeria Enrique Buero, President, Uruguayan Chamber of Free Trade Zones, Uruguay Helson Cavalcante Braga, President, ABRAZPE, Brazil Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE, President, NAFTZ-National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, USA Kelli Dawn Hamilton, CEO, Jamaica Special Economic Zones Authority, Jamaica Pan Li, Vice Chairman, China National Association of Free Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones, China Qais bin Mohammed bin Musa Al-Yousef, Chairman, Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, Sultanate of Oman Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, EPCES, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, India Vuong Thi Minh Hieu, Deputy General Director, Department of Economic Zones Management, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam

https://www.wfzoworldcongress.com/

[email protected]

12th WORLD CONGRESS 12 - 14 May 2026 Panama City, Panama

Congress Theme

FREE ZONES IN THE NEW GLOBAL OPERATING MODEL: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The 21st-century economic landscape is being transformed by rapid technological change, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and pressing sustainability imperatives. Global trade is shifting from a long era of liberalization and hyper-globalization to a more multipolar, security-aware, digitally mediated system. This transition is fostering negative public sentiment toward trade, driven by detrimental distribution impact, security concerns, climate policy frictions, and shifting industrial policy. If unmanaged, these dynamics can suppress investment, fragment markets, and slow productivity. Free Zones and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can act as economic stabilizers and innovation sandboxes in this transition.

Congress Vision

The 12th World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) World Congress 2026 will convene global leaders, policymakers, free zone executives, and investors to explore the new frontiers of trade, innovation, public policy, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Building upon the success of World Congress 2025 in Hainan-China, the World Congress 2026 positions Panama as a global platform for transformation — the Gateway to the Americas — this landmark edition will explore how visionary leadership, institutional collaboration, and private enterprise can unlock actionable solutions for free zones to shape the next era of global growth as laboratories of transformation.

Emerging industrial paradigms create opportunities for free zones

1. Knowledge and Innovation Economies

As intangible assets become the norm, zones must become incubators of R&D ecosystems, startups, and talent to power innovation-led industries

2. Digital and AI-Driven Manufacturing

Automation, data analytics, and intelligent systems are creating smart manufacturing operations that zones can support with high-end digital backbones

3. Green Industrial Transition

Circular economy practices, renewable energy, and carbon-neutral operations are now essential drivers of global competitiveness that free zones must be able to offer

4. Regional Value Hubs

In an era of supply chain reconfiguration, zones have a unique opportunity to serve as anchors for production resilience and regional logistics integration

The World Free Zones Organization has identified growth vectors for free zones

1. Innovation Catalysts: Pioneering regulatory sandboxes for technologies such as AI, blockchain, and clean tech

2. Public-Private Collaboration: Acting as platforms that connect governments, industries, and academia to co-design modern trade and industrial policies

3. Sustainability Leadership: Embedding ESG frameworks into zones operations provide a global reference for responsible industrial growth

4. Talent and Skills Development: Establishing continuous learning ecosystems to help build a digitally skilled and adaptable workforce

There are important challenges ahead that we will discuss in Panama

1. Regulatory Adaptation: Policies must evolve to address digital trade, data governance, and environmental compliance

2. Investment Competition: Shifting global capital dynamics mean investor trust drives investment, putting pressure on free zones to stand out

3. Infrastructure Modernization: Integration of digital, energy, and physical infrastructure is critical to supporting next-generation industrial clusters

4. Inclusive Growth: Free zones need to ensure and to demonstrate that transformation benefits local communities, SMEs, and regional economies.

These are the strategic elements that we will explore together to find ways for zones to consolidate their unique position and offer high-value solutions to their current and future tenants.

Agenda Overview

Global trade is undergoing a structural transition from pure efficiency-driven globalization to a more resilience- oriented and regionally anchored model. Firms are diversifying suppliers and production bases to manage geopolitical and logistical risks, while governments reassert themselves through industrial policies and strategic subsidies that reshape competitive advantage. At the same time, services, data, and digital trade are overtaking goods as the main growth drivers, even as divergent standards, security controls, and carbon-related trade

measures create new frictions and non-tariff barriers. These shifts raise costs but also open opportunities for regions that can combine resilience, digital integration, and sustainability.

To foster confidence and drive competitiveness, the WorldFZO will lead a pragmatic agenda that combines global openness with local values. Key measures include helping to build interoperable trade systems and digital “single windows,” channeling investment into zone-level green infrastructure and data transparency and supporting development of regional skills and mobility pipelines. In this manner, Zones can showcase a new model of resilient, low-carbon, and socially anchored trade, leveraging transparency and innovative supply architectures to demonstrate that global trade can be both sustainable and inclusive while prosperous for all involved.

Day 1 - Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Registration Open 08:30 - 18:00 Vestibulo

Exhibition Open 09:00 - 18:00 America Sala 1/2

Executive Leadership Program 10:00 - 17:00 America Sala 3

An exclusive pre-inaugural program for CEOs, ministers, and Zone leaders focused on transformative leadership for an era of disruption and opportunity:

Designed and conducted by leading global business school representatives Lead with Vision and Purpose: Gain the mindset and models to navigate disruption through an adaptive, purpose-driven leadership masterclass on strategic foresight Master Complexity and Collaboration: Build agility and emotional intelligence in immersive workshops while exploring geopolitics, trade, and trust in a multipolar world through case studies and simulations. Inspire and Transform: Capture insights from a world-renowned thought leader and earn certification recognizing your readiness to lead transformative change globally

Directors:

Francisco Loscos, professor, Department People & Organization Management, ESADE, Spain Cesare Zingone, CEO, Zeta Group, Costa Rica

Keynote speaker:

Dr. Matthew Stephenson, CEO, World Free Zones Organization, United Arab Emirates Jochen Knecht, CEO, IFZA Global, United Arab Emirates

Session Speakers:

Víctor Umaña Vargas (Geo-economic Vision), Consultant, Switzerland. Ramiro Casó (Building Trust-Based Scenarios in Free Zones Through Commitment), Senior Research Fellow, INCAE, Costa Rica. Carla Fernández (Leading Through Artificial Intelligence), Senior Director of Executive Education & INCAE Online, INCAE, Costa Rica. Luciano Ciravegna (Opportunities at the Global Epicenter of Free Zones), Steve Aronson Chair in Strategy and Agribusiness, INCAE, Costa Rica.

BRICS+ Free Zone Roundtable 10:00 - 12:00 Caribe 4

Pioneering Next-Gen Operations for Shared Prosperity

A strategic continuation of high-level cooperation initiated during the 2024 Congress and reinforced by the Kazan Declaration of the XVI BRICS Summit. Positioned at the intersection of economic diplomacy, industrial policy, and global trade transformation, the roundtable will bring together governments, investors, SEZ developers, and industry leaders to define coordinated investment frameworks, localized manufacturing, digital and green transition strategies, and multilateral trade mechanisms among BRICS+ economies. Set against a backdrop of geopolitical tariff pressures and a growing shift toward local-currency trade through resilient supply chains, the session aims to generate actionable policy direction on free zone governance, ESG and AI-enabled operational models, intellectual property protection, and public-private collaboration. It is further expected to position Special Economic Zones as critical infrastructure for multipolar growth, South- South cooperation, and next-generation global economic integration.

Moderator: Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, EPCES, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, India

Speakers:

Pan Li, Vice Chairman, China National Association of Free Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones, China Helson Cavalcante Braga, President, ABRAZPE, Brazil

Mercosur Integration Roundtable 10:00 - 12:00 Caribe 3

The New Role of Free Zones

A high-level ministerial platform to reposition Mercosur as a unified and competitive logistics and production bloc within the global reconfiguration of value chains and accelerating nearshoring trends. Bringing together ministers, multilateral development banks, free zone authorities, and private-sector leaders, the roundtable is strategically designed to advance policy alignment on free zone interoperability, origin certification, regulatory harmonization, and long-term legal frameworks for foreign investment. Discussions will further address coordinated financing mechanisms for sustainable Industry 4.0 free zones, infrastructure integration through bi-oceanic corridors, and enhanced compliance frameworks to position free zones as secure and transparent trade gateways. Supported by validated regional success models, the session is expected to culminate in a Ministerial Communiqué defining actionable policy direction to transform Mercosur free zones into critical infrastructure for trade integration, investment mobilization, and sustainable economic development across the region.

Speakers:

Lisandro Ganuza, Public Affairs Director, Zona Franca Santafesina, Argentina Enrique Buero, President, Uruguayan Chamber of Free Trade Zones, Uruguay Helson Cavalcante Braga, President, ABRAZPE, Brazil Pedro Cespedes, President, Zona Franca Global, Paraguay

Caribbean Minister Roundtable 10:00 - 12:00 Pacifico 4/5

A focus on the particular challenges facing island territories in the Caribbean region, particularly in light of environmental impacts on local economies, capability building opportunities, and specific trade opportunities across physical and intellectual sectors.

Moderator: Courtney Fingar, Founder, Fingar Direct Investment, UK

Chairperson: Aubyn Hill, Minister, Minister of Industry, Investment, & Commerce, Jamaica

Speakers:

Kelli Dawn Hamilton, CEO, Jamaica Special Economic Zones Authority, Jamaica Kaye Greenidge, President CAIPA & Chief Executive Officer, Invest Barbados, Barbados Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE, President, NAFTZ-National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, USA Richard Bolwijn, Head, Investment Research Branch, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD, Switzerland

Networking Break in Exhibition 11:00 - 11:30 America Sala 1/2

Lunch 12:30 - 13:30 America Sala 1/2

Global Ministerial Conference 14:00 - 16:00 Pacifico 4/5

New industrial development strategies and free zones

An examination of how modern free zones combined with evolving industrial strategies can drive growth amid regulatory, logistical, and geopolitical challenges. It will focus on digitalization, green production, and investment attraction, fostering dialogue on best practices and policies for a new generation of resilient, sustainable economic zones.

Moderator: James Zhan, Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the World FZO, Switzerland

Chairperson: Julio A. Moltó A., Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), Panama

Speakers:

Karin Larissa Herrera Aguilar, Vice President, Guatemala

Networking Break in Exhibition 15:30 - 16:00 America Sala 1/2

WorldFZO Board Meeting 16:00 - 18:00 Caribe 6

Welcome Reception 18:00 - 20:00 America Sala 1/2

Day 2 - Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Registration Open 08:00 - 17:00 Vestibulo

Exhibition Open 08:00 - 17:00 America Sala 1/2

Opening Remarks 08:30 - 09:00 America Sala 3

Welcome address and presentation from World FZO CEO Dr. Matthew Stephenson.

Panel One 09:00 - 10:15 America Sala 3

Presentation: "Reimagining Investable Destinations: An Approach to Tourism Special Economic Zones"

Peter Janech, Coordinator, Innovation, Education and Investments, UN Tourism, Spain

Panel 1: The New Global Operating Model – Leadership in Times of Transformation

In a rapidly changing global landscape marked by economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and shifting societal expectations, leadership is being redefined. The New Global Operating Model – Leadership in Times of Transformation will explore how both private and public sector leaders can navigate these complexities to drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. This high-level discussion will bring together visionary speakers to share strategies for fostering innovation, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and building adaptive institutions that can thrive amid volatility. The panel aims to uncover new models of leadership that not only respond to transformation but actively shape it—ensuring that industrial progress goes hand in hand with social prosperity and environmental responsibility.

Moderator: Courtney Fingar, Founder, Fingar Direct Investment, UK

Speakers:

Nan Li – Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Switzerland Luisa Napolitano – Managing Director Colon Free Zone, Panama Blanca Sorigue, Managing Director , Barcelona Free Zone, Catalonia, Spain Jochen Knecht, CEO, IFZA Global, United Arab Emirates

Networking Break in Exhibition 10:15 - 10:45 America Sala 1/2

Opening Ceremony 10:45 - 11:30 America Sala 3

Official Inauguration with World FZO Leadership and the Government of Panama.

Speakers:

HE José Raúl Mulino Quintero - President of the Republic of Panama HE Luis Abinader – President of the Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, ILO, Switzerland. Pedro Manuel Moreno – Acting Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Switzerland Gerd Müller, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Austria Sergio Díaz-Granados – Executive President, CAF -Development Bank of Latin America, Panama Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, Chairman, World FZO, United Arab Emirates Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman, IFZA, United Arab Emirates

Panel Two 11:30 - 12:45 America Sala 3

Presentation: Panama - Costa Rica Rail Corridor

Presenters:

Henry Faarup, Secretary General, National Railway Secretariat of Panama, Panama Hans Ardón, Founder, FASTER, Costa Rica

Panel 2: Global Gateways – Redefining the Future of Trade and Connectivity

As global supply chains evolve in the face of AI advances, evolving trade dynamics, and new geopolitical realities, the world’s logistics hubs are becoming the nerve centers of economic resilience and connectivity. Global Gateways – Redefining the Future of Trade and Connectivity will examine how Zones and their surrounding ecosystems can drive a new era of integrated, efficient, and sustainable global trade. This panel will convene leading experts, policymakers, and industry innovators to discuss how advanced infrastructure, digital trade platforms, and smart logistics are transforming global commerce. Participants will explore strategies to enhance resilience, inclusivity, and competitiveness—positioning Zones as catalysts for a more connected and agile global economy.

Moderator: Ivana Fernandes Duarte, Central America Regional Country Manager, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Panama

Speakers:

Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General, IRU, Switzerland DP World Representative, DP World, UAE Angel Alberto Sanchez Chiappetto, Vice-President, FIATA, Switzerland Dr. Paul Kent, Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Ports and Logistics, Monument Economics Group, USA Richard Bolwijn, Head, Investment Research Branch, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD, Switzerland Walter Trezek, Founder & CEO, Facilitating Digital commerce & Digital Logistics, Austria

Lunch 12:45 - 14:00 America Sala 1/2

Breakout Session One 14:00 - 15:15 America Sala 3

Presentation: The Gateway for Regional Logistics & Business Expansion

Presenter: Rupert Chue, CEO, Tailwind Corporation (Jamaica) LTD

Emerging Technogies Foresight Lab

Explore how emerging technologies are transforming industries, value chains, and supply chains through interactive roundtables and foresight simulations inspired by Latin American case studies. This lab examines the impact of AI, advanced analytics, automation, IoT, digital twins, robotics, and other disruptive innovations on production systems, trade flows, logistics, and regional competitiveness. Designed for policymakers, business leaders, and industry stakeholders, it offers a space to anticipate technological shifts, assess strategic implications, and identify new opportunities for innovation, resilience, and growth.

Facilitator: Juan Opertti, Managing Director, HEMISTION S.A., Uruguay

Speakers:

Martin Dovat, General Manager, Zonamerica, Uruguay Lati Matata, Director , UPU Postal Technology Center, UPU, Switzerland Raimund Klein, CEO, International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT), Singapore Aparajitha Reger-Flores, SMD and Head of Strategy Execution & Organizational Performance, Ankura, USA Leticia Arias, Partner, Tax Services | Lead, Latam Office of Strategic Execution (OSE), EY Latam, Panama

Breakout Session Two 14:00 - 15:15 Istmo 1/2

Presentation: The Largest Private Free Trade Zone in Panama

Presenter: Panapark Free Zone

Free Zones and Eco-Industrial Parks: Competitiveness and Sustainability

Explore how the implementation of ESG principles translates into measurable business impact through case studies and localized value models from across Latin America. Participants will analyze how green initiatives — from renewable energy integration to sustainable sourcing — can strengthen profitability, attract global investors, and position free zones as catalysts of responsible industrial growth.

Facilitator: César Barahona, International Coordinator, GEIPP, UNIDO, Austria

Speakers:

Christian Susan, Cross-Disciplinary Team on Industrial Parks-CDTIP, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO, Austria Henry Kardonski, CEO, Panama Pacifico, Panama Bernard Gilchrist, CEO, Zona Franca Parque Central, Colombia Mónica Rivera, Deputy General Manager, Indupark, Peru

Breakout Session Three 14:00 - 15:15 Istmo 3/4

Presentation: Luanda Bengo Special Economic Zone - Overview and Business Opportunities

Presenter: Ricardo de Carvalho, Director of Business Affairs and Development, Luanda Bengo Special Economic Zone

Public-Private Collaboration for the Next Industrial Era

Discover innovative frameworks for collaboration between private enterprise and public institutions in a shifting fiscal and financial landscape. This workshop showcases Latin American examples of joint ventures, infrastructure co-financing, and policy innovation, offering participants live business modelling exercises to design resilient, inclusive partnerships for the industries of tomorrow.

Facilitator: Nicolas Forzy. General Manager, Malakai Consulting Group, France

Speakers:

José T. Contreras, Executive Vice-President, Latin American Free Zone Investments Dominicana, Dominican Republic Cesare Zingone, CEO, Zeta Group, Costa Rica Javier Suarez, Administrator, Panama Pacifico Agency, Panama. Dr Robert Millard, Director, Cambridge Strategy Group, United Kingdom Alexander Thern-Svanberg, Secretary, UPU Consultative Committee, Switzerland

Latin America Minister Roundtable 14:30 - 16:30 Pacifico 4/5

A similar focus on the unique challenges for free zones operating on the Latin American continent, particularly innovation, digitalization, new trends in international trade and nearshoring, along with key elements to drive foreign investment and competitiveness. Sustainability and energy efficiency will also form core topics alongside the role of public-private partnerships in long-term regulatory policies.

Moderator: Martin Ibarra, President, Araujo Ibarra, Colombia

Chairperson: Julio A. Moltó A., Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), Panama

Speakers:

Tomas Bermudez, General Manager, Regional Country Department Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, IDB, USA

Networking Break in Exhibition 15:15 - 15:45 America Sala 1/2

Panel Three 15:45 - 17:00 America Sala 3

Panel 3: Sustainability as a Competitive Edge – The Green Industrial Transition

The global economy is progressing toward a low-carbon future where sustainability will no longer be just a moral imperative—it will become a defining source of competitive advantage. Sustainability as a Competitive Edge – The Green Industrial Transition will explore how Zones can serve as innovation laboratories for green transformation, pioneering new models of circular economy and resource efficiency. This session will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts to discuss practical pathways for reducing emissions, attracting green investment, and fostering climate-smart industries. By leveraging their unique regulatory flexibility and collaborative ecosystems, Zones can accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies and set the standard for environmentally responsible growth across global value chains.

Moderator: Esther, Corral, Regional Head for Latin America & the Caribbean, UN Global Compact, Panama

Speakers:

Carlos Wong – General Director, Coyol Free Zone, Costa Rica Raimund Klein, CEO, International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT), Singapore Pere Navarro, Special State Delegate, Barcelona Free Zone Consortium, Catalonia, Spain Christian Susan, UNIDO Cross-Disciplinary Team on Industrial Parks-CDTIP, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO, Austria Vuong Thi Minh Hieu, Deputy General Director, Department of Economic Zones Management, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam Henry Kardonski, CEO, Panama Pacifico, Panama

Gala Dinner 19:00 - 22:00 America Sala 3

Day 3 – Thursday, 14 May 2026

Exhibition Open 08:30 - 14:00 America Sala 1/2

Breakout Session Four 09:00 - 10:15 America Sala 3

Presentation: AECFTZ: Nigeria’s Industrial Gateway to Africa

Presenter: Sanni Abdullahi Ozomata, DVM, M.Tech, Msc, PhD, Technical advisor to Kogi State Governor, Ajaokuta Economic City

Unlocking Value in Agro-industries – Sustainable Resource-Based Free Zones

Explore how free zones can drive sustainable growth in agriculture and food security. This workshop focuses on creating value-added supply chains at the source, integrating green technologies, and building export- oriented clusters hand in hand with government partners that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Attendees will examine different models for attracting investment, ensuring traceability, and leveraging digital tools to modernize resource industries.

Facilitator: Martin Ibarra, President, Araujo Ibarra, Colombia

Speakers:

Victor Gonzalez, Director, GA&W, Paraguay Agustín Zimmermann, Country Representative, FAO, Italy

Breakout Session Five 09:00 - 10:15 Istmo 1/2

New Organisational Models for Free Zones: “From Zone Authority to Ecosystem Operator”

Traditional free zone models were built to deliver land, utilities, permits, and tax advantages. But zones competing for advanced industries increasingly need platform capabilities: venture-building, startup-to-scale support, university and lab partnerships, applied R&D, soft-landing programs, and integrated services that reduce time-to-market for investors. This session explores the next generation of zone governance and operating models, including holding-company structures, integrated economic zone authorities, developer- operator models, and public-private ecosystem partnerships—showing what it takes to remain competitive as investors demand speed, skills, innovation, and trusted governance.

Facilitator: Dr. Henry Loewendah, Founder & CEO, Lion Economics, UK

Speakers:

Paul Keely, Chief Financial Officer, DIEZ, United Arab Emirates Juan Pablo Rivera Cabal, Presidente / CE, Grupo ZFB, Colombia Khabib Abdullaev, Counselor, Navoi International Airport Free Trade Zone., Uzbekistan Rafael Molina, SMD Practice Leader Ankura Sovereign Advisors, Ankura, USA Emeka Ene, Chairman, Empower Free trade Zone, Nigeria Kaye Greenidge, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Barbados, Barbados

Breakout Session Six 09:00 - 10:15 Istmo 4/5

Anchoring Tourism and Culture in the Knowledge Economy

As global trade and services evolve, free zones are increasingly becoming hubs for finance, technology, and knowledge-based services. This workshop highlights opportunities for developing tourism and culture-based, service-oriented free zones with the right regulatory policies, enabling digital trade, and nurturing innovation ecosystems that attract talent and entrepreneurship. Participants will explore policy frameworks, digital infrastructure, and partnership models that position free zones as leaders in the global knowledge economy.

Facilitator: Juliana Villegas Restrepo, Director, International Promotion and Business Development, Colombia

Speakers:

Peter Janech, Coordinator, Innovation, Education and Investments, UN Tourism, Spain Liriola Pitti, CEO, AEI PANAMA, Panama Juan Carlos Abud, Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Jujuy, Argentina

Networking Break in Exhibition 10:15 - 15:45 America Sala 1/2

Panel Four 10:45 - 12:00 America Sala 3

Panel 4: From Supply Chains to Value Networks – Resilience and Regional Integration

In an era of geopolitical realignment and supply chain fragmentation, resilience and regional integration have become essential pillars of sustainable growth. From Supply Chains to Value Networks – Resilience and Regional Integration will explore how Zones can evolve from logistics and manufacturing hubs into strategic value networks that anchor regional cooperation and economic strength. The discussion will highlight how Zones can leverage their distinctive legal frameworks, geographic advantages, and investment incentives to build stronger, more agile regional ecosystems. Bringing together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, this panel will examine how enhanced connectivity and collaboration among Zones can mitigate global disruptions, boost competitiveness, and lay the foundation for a more balanced and interlinked global economy.

Moderator: Angelica Peña, Executive Director, Chamber of Free Trade Zone Users, Colombia

Speakers:

Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA, Ghana Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, EPCES, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, India Eduardo A. Arango, Vice Minister of Domestic Trade and Industries, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Panama Ahmed Bennis, Managing Director at Tanger Med Zones and Secretary General at Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO), Morocco Pan Li, Vice Chairman, China National Association of Free Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones, China

Closing Ceremony 12:00 - 12:30 America Sala 3

Lunch 12:45 - 14:00 America Sala 1/2

World FZO AGM 14:30 - 16:30 America Sala 3

WORLD FZO MEMBERS ONLY

Day 4 – Friday, 15 May 2026

Site Tour 09:00 - 18:00 Vestibulo

Site Visit Program – Atlantic Corridor

09:00 – Departure from Panama Convention Center (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes)

10:20 – 11:20 – Agua Clara Locks – Panama Canal (Atlantic Site) (1 hour) Located near Colón, the Agua Clara Locks are a visitor attraction on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. The site offers panoramic views of the expanded Neopanamax locks and Gatun Lake. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the transit of large vessels up close, alongside access to ecological trails, viewing platforms, and visitor facilities.

En route – Colón Free Zone Drive-Through Tour (approx. 20 minutes) A non-stop guided drive through the Colón Free Zone and France Field area, providing participants with a first-hand view of one of the world’s largest free trade zones and its commercial activity.

11:40 – 13:00 – Manzanillo International Terminal (Caribbean Site) (1 hour 20 minutes) Visit one of the region’s most strategic container and transshipment terminals, located at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. The terminal plays a critical role in connecting cargo flows across Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

Participants will observe live port operations, including the functioning of advanced container cranes. The visit includes light refreshments and a short presentation providing further insight into terminal operations.

13:25 – 14:30 – Colón Arts Center – Colón City (1 hour 5 minutes) A cultural welcome at the Colón Arts Center, featuring a traditional folkloric performance. The program concludes with a hosted lunch for participants.

Confirmed Speakers and Moderators

The following list reflects the speakers and moderators confirmed as of 10 March 2026. Additional participants are currently being finalized, and more names will be announced as confirmations are received.

Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, Chairman, World FZO, United Arab Emirates Agustín Zimmermann, Country Representative, FAO, Italy Ahmed Bennis, Managing Director at Tanger Med Zones and Secretary General at Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO), Morocco Alexander Thern-Svanberg, Secretary, UPU Consultative Committee, Switzerland Angel Alberto Sanchez Chiappetto, Vice-President, FIATA, Switzerland Angelica Peña, Executive Director, Chamber of Free Trade Zone Users, Colombia Aparajitha Reger-Flores, SMD and Head of Strategy Execution & Organizational Performance, Ankura, USA Bernard Gilchrist, CEO, Zona Franca Parque Central, Colombia Blanca Sorigue, Managing Director , Barcelona Free Zone, Catalonia, Spain Carla Fernández (Leading Through Artificial Intelligence), Senior Director of Executive Education & INCAE Online, INCAE, Costa Rica. Carlos Wong – General Director, Coyol Free Zone, Costa Rica César Barahona, International Coordinator, GEIPP, UNIDO, Austria Cesare Zingone, CEO, Zeta Group, Costa Rica

Christian Susan, UNIDO Cross-Disciplinary Team on Industrial Parks-CDTIP, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO, Austria Courtney Fingar, Founder, Fingar Direct Investment, United Kingdom Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization, Switzerland Dr Robert Millard, Director, Cambridge Strategy Group, United Kingdom Dr. Henry Loewendah, Founder & CEO, Lion Economics, United Kingdom Dr. Matthew Stephenson, CEO, World Free Zones Organization, United Arab Emirates Dr. Paul Kent, Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Ports and Logistics, Monument Economics Group, USA Eduardo A. Arango, Vice Minister of Domestic Trade and Industries, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Panama Emeka Ene, Chairman, Empower Free trade Zone, Nigeria Enrique Buero, President, Uruguayan Chamber of Free Trade Zones, Uruguay Esther, Corral, Regional Head for Latin America & the Caribbean, UN Global Compact, Panama Francisco Loscos, professor, Department People & Organization Management, ESADE, Spain Gerd Müller, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Austria Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, ILO, Switzerland. HE José Raúl Mulino Quintero - President of the Republic of Panama HE Luis Abinader – President of the Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic Helson Cavalcante Braga, President, ABRAZPE, Brazil Hans Ardón, Founder, FASTER, Costa Rica Henry Faarup, Secretary General, National Railway Secretariat of Panama, Panama Henry Kardonski, CEO, Panama Pacifico, Panama Hon Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister, Minister of Industry, Investment, & Commerce, Jamaica Ivana Fernandes Duarte, Central America Regional Country Manager, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Panama James Zhan, Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the World FZO, Switzerland Javier Suarez, Administrator, Panama Pacifico Agency, Panama. Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE, President, NAFTZ-National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, USA Jochen Knecht, CEO, IFZA Global, United Arab Emirates José T. Contreras, Executive Vice-President , Latin American Free Zone Investments Dominicana, Dominican Republic Juan Carlos Abud, Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Jujuy, Argentina Juan Opertti, Managing Director, HEMISTION S.A., Uruguay Juan Pablo Rivera Cabal, Presidente / CE, Grupo ZFB, Colombia Juliana Villegas Restrepo, Director, International Promotion and Business Development, Colombia Julio A. Moltó A., Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), Panama Kaye Greenidge, CEO, Invest Barbados, Barbados Kelli Dawn Hamilton, CEO, Jamaica Special Economic Zones Authority, Jamaica Khabib Abdullaev, Counselor, Navoi International Airport Free Trade Zone., Uzbekistan. Lati Matata, Director , UPU Postal Technology Center, UPU, Switzerland Liriola Pitti, CEO, AEI PANAMA, Panama Lisandro Ganuza, Public Affairs Director, Zona Franca Santafesina, Argentina Luciano Ciravegna (Opportunities at the Global Epicenter of Free Zones),Steve Aronson Chair in Strategy and Agribusiness, INCAE, Costa Rica. Luisa Napolitano – Managing Director Colon Free Zone, Panama Martin Dovat, General Manager, Zonamerica, Uruguay Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman, IFZA, United Arab Emirates Martin Ibarra, President, Araujo Ibarra, Colombia Mónica Rivera, Deputy General Manager, Indupark, Peru. Nan Li – Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Switzerland Nicolas Forzy. General Manager, Malakai Consulting Group, France Pan Li, Vice Chairman, China National Association of Free Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones, China Paul Keely, CFO, DIEZ, United Arab Emirates Pedro Cespedes, President, Zona Franca Global, Paraguay Pedro Manuel Moreno – Acting Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Switzerland Pere Navarro, Special State Delegate, Barcelona Free Zone Consortium, Catalonia, Spain

Peter Janech, Coordinator, Innovation, Education and Investments, UN Tourism, Spain Rafael Molina, SMD Practice Leader Ankura Sovereign Advisors, Ankura, USA Raimund Klein, CEO, International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT), Singapore Ramiro Casó (Building Trust-Based Scenarios in Free Zones Through Commitment), Senior Research Fellow, INCAE, Costa Rica. Richard Bolwijn, Head, Investment Research Branch, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD, Switzerland Sergio Díaz-Granados – Executive President, CAF -Development Bank of Latin America, Panama Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, EPCES, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, India Tomas Bermudez, General Manager, Regional Country Department Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, IDB, USA Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General, IRU, Switzerland Victor Gonzalez, Director, GA&W, Paraguay Víctor Umaña Vargas (Geo-economic Vision), Consultant, Switzerland. Vuong Thi Minh Hieu, Deputy General Director, Department of Economic Zones Management, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam Walter Trezek, Founder & CEO, Facilitating Digital commerce & Digital Logistics, Austria Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA, Ghana

Governments and Multilateral Organizations Representatives

Heads of states

HE José Raúl Mulino Quintero - President of the Republic of Panama HE Luis Abinader – President of the Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic

Governors, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers

Karin Larissa Herrera Aguilar, Vice President, Guatemala

Ministers, Vice-Ministers and State Ministers

Albert Bryan Jr., Governor, Office of the Governor, United States Virgin Islands Atong Kuol Manyang, Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Republic of South Sudan Aubyn Hill, Minister, Minister of Industry, Investment, & Commerce, Jamaica Eduardo Sanz Lovaton, Minister, Ministry of Industry and commerce, Dominican Republic República Dominicana Endalew Mekonen, State Minister, Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Epaminondas Marinakys, Minister of investment, Honduras Jason Hayward, Minister, Ministry of Economy and Labour, Bermuda Jose Fernando Reyes Llanos, Minister, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), Peru Juan Carlos Abud, Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Jujuy, Argentina Julio A. Moltó A., Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), Panama Peter R. Ramsaroop, M.P., Chief Investment Officer, Guyana Office for Investment, Guyana Qais bin Mohammed Al-Yousef, Chairman, Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, Oman Roderick Middelhof, Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Curaçao

Heads of Multilateral organizations

Gerd Müller, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Austria Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, ILO, Switzerland. Pedro Manuel Moreno – Acting Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Switzerland Sergio Díaz-Granados – Executive President, CAF -Development Bank of Latin America, Panama

Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General, IRU, Switzerland Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA, Ghana

Representatives of Multilateral Organizations

Agustín Zimmermann, Country Representative, FAO, Italy Alexander Thern-Svanberg, Secretary, UPU Consultative Committee, Switzerland Angel Alberto Sanchez Chiappetto, Vice-President, FIATA, Switzerland César Barahona, International Coordinator, GEIPP, UNIDO, Austria Christian Susan, UNIDO Cross-Disciplinary Team on Industrial Parks-CDTIP, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO, Austria Esther, Corral, Regional Head for Latin America & the Caribbean, UN Global Compact, Panama Ivana Fernandes Duarte, Central America Regional Country Manager, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Panama Lati Matata, Director , UPU Postal Technology Center, UPU, Switzerland Marjan Osvald, DDG, UPU, Switzerland Nan Li – Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Switzerland Peter Janech, Coordinator, Innovation, Education and Investments, UN Tourism, Spain Richard Bolwijn, Head, Investment Research Branch, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD, Switzerland Tomas Bermudez, General Manager, Regional Country Department Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, IDB, USA

Heads/Representatives of FZ Authorities/Associations

Ahmed Bennis, Managing Director at Tanger Med Zones and Secretary General at Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO), Morocco Angelica Peña, Executive Director, Chamber of Free Trade Zone Users, Colombia Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Nigeria Enrique Buero, President, Uruguayan Chamber of Free Trade Zones, Uruguay Helson Cavalcante Braga, President, ABRAZPE, Brazil Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE, President, NAFTZ-National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, USA Kelli Dawn Hamilton, CEO, Jamaica Special Economic Zones Authority, Jamaica Pan Li, Vice Chairman, China National Association of Free Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones, China Qais bin Mohammed bin Musa Al-Yousef, Chairman, Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, Sultanate of Oman Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, EPCES, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, India Vuong Thi Minh Hieu, Deputy General Director, Department of Economic Zones Management, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam

https://www.wfzoworldcongress.com/

[email protected]

February 9th, 2026 H.E. Erkki Keldo Minister Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Estonia.

Subject: Invitation to Speak at the Ministerial Roundtable at the World FZO World Congress 2026 Your Excellency, We are honored to extend this invitation to attend our upcoming 12th World Congress, under the theme of "Free Zones in the new global operating model: Challenges and Opportunities," co-hosted by the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) and Ministerio de Comercio e Industria, República de Panamá, and to be held from May 12th to 14th, 2026 at the Panama Convention Center in Panama City. The Congress will feature a Global Ministerial Conference on May 12th, 2026, designed to examine the strategic role of governments in developing and enhancing free zones operations while maintaining regulatory pertinence amidst rising geopolitical uncertainty. Your presence here will allow you and your peers to identify emerging opportunities in digitalized zone management, greener and more efficient production models, and strategies to attract investment in line with evolving global trade networks. More broadly, our annual congress is a premier gathering for senior policymakers like yourself, global business leaders, senior government officials, multilateral organization representatives, and leading academics from around the world. CEOs from leading Free Zones of every continent will also attend. The event offers a platform to discuss and explore critical topics that impact trade, employment, logistics, sustainability, and the wider economy. Networking sessions provide access to key international decision- makers who shape business, trade, and investment policies. We anticipate hosting over 1,500 delegates from more than 100 countries for a truly global and inclusive event with a range of rich perspectives. We would be delighted if you could mark your attendance at this esteemed meeting of Ministers in your calendar. Your presence would greatly enrich discussions and would contribute to the success of the congress while enabling you to connect with a wide range of peers and potential partners. Should you wish to suggest other people from your own network that we might invite, please let us know so we may reach out to them as well on your behalf. Please find the program and concept note attached.

Office: #1090, 1st Floor, 7w-b. Dubai Airport Free Zone PO BOX 371113 Dubai United Arab Emirates. [email protected] | +971 4 204 5473 | +971 4 295 2945

Global Ministerial Roundtable Program – Concept Note Theme: “Industrial Development Strategies and New Generation of Free Zones”

Introduction The Global Ministerial Roundtable will convene Ministers and other high-level global stakeholders to address key and emerging challenges and opportunities for free zones. It will examine the evolving role of industrial development strategies and the emergence of a new generation of Free Zones and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The Roundtable is expected to provide a strategic platform for Ministers to exchange perspectives on how industrial policy and zone-based development can respond to a rapidly transforming global economy and new investment-development paradigm. Global production systems are undergoing profound reconfiguration. Geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain realignments, regulatory fragmentation, and uneven logistics readiness are reshaping investment decisions and industrial competitiveness. At the same time, digital transformation, sustainability imperatives, and new models of public-private collaboration are creating fresh opportunities for industrial upgrading and value creation. In this context, Free Zones and SEZs are no longer defined solely by fiscal incentives or export orientation. They are increasingly expected to function as integrated industrial ecosystems—supporting innovation, enabling greener production, strengthening resilience, and anchoring countries more effectively within global and regional value chains. The Global Ministerial Roundtable will explore how modern industrial strategies and next-generation Free Zones can jointly address these challenges while unlocking new sources of growth. It will emphasize practical policy responses, governance innovations, and investment models that balance competitiveness with resilience and sustainability. Key Issues for Ministerial Discussion

1. Strategic Role of Free Zones in National Industrial Policy

How can Free Zones and Special Economic Zones be more effectively aligned with national and regional industrial development strategies? Ministers will consider how zones can support priority sectors, strengthen economic resilience, and respond to the reconfiguration of global and regional value chains amid rising uncertainty.

2. Structural Design of the New Generation of Free Zones

What structural features define the new generation of Free Zones? This discussion will focus on zone typologies, sectoral clustering, integrated service models, and the shift toward outcomes-oriented zone frameworks that go beyond traditional incentive-driven approaches.

3. Digital Operations and Smart Zone Management

How can digital technologies enhance the operational efficiency and transparency of Free Zones? Ministers will exchange views on digital single windows, automated processes, smart logistics systems, and data-driven zone management that improve investor services.

4. Sustainability and Green Industrial Models

How can Free Zones support environmentally sustainable industrial development? The session will explore low- carbon infrastructure, renewable energy integration, circular economy practices, and environmental

performance standards that align zone- based production with sustainability objectives.

5. Investment Mobilization and Global Production Networks

How can Free Zones attract quality investment and anchor firms within evolving global and regional production networks? Ministers will discuss targeted investment promotion strategies, risk mitigation mechanisms, and partnerships that support value chain upgrading and long-term industrial competitiveness.

6. Governance, Regulation, and Public–Private Coordination

What governance and enabling frameworks are required to ensure coherence and effectiveness in Free Zone development? This discussion will address institutional arrangements, regulatory clarity, inter-ministerial coordination, and structured public– private collaboration to support sustainable zone performance. Expected Outcomes The roundtable aims to achieve the following:

• Policy insights on best practices for addressing emerging challenges in building the new generation of Free Zones and Economic Zones.

• Actionable recommendations on leveraging Free Zones and SEZs to advance industrial policy objectives in the current global economic landscape.

• Shared understanding of governance and partnership models that enhance competitiveness while promoting resilience and sustainability.

Office: #1090, 1st Floor, 7w-b. Dubai Airport Free Zone PO BOX 371113 Dubai United Arab Emirates. [email protected] | +971 4 204 5473 | +971 4 295 2945

The session will conclude with a Ministerial Communiqué or Call to Action, capturing key takeaway messages and encouraging Ministers, Free Zone authorities, international organizations, and the investment community to pursue coherent and coordinated efforts. The objective is to create synergies that enable the new generation of Free Zones to contribute to sustainable development, and prosperity for all. Participants

• Ministers responsible for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones

• Special invitees, including Heads of International Organizations and Development Banks

• Selected Executive representatives of Free Zones and SEZ authorities

• Private-sector leaders and investment stakeholders

Office: #1090, 1st Floor, 7w-b. Dubai Airport Free Zone Dubai United Arab Emirates. [email protected] | +971 4 204 5473 | +971 4 295 2945

Asunto: Participación en la Mesa Redonda Ministerial en el marco del Congreso Mundial de la World FZO 2026 Su Excelencia: Tenemos el honor de invitarle a participar en nuestro 12º Congreso Mundial, bajo el lema “Zonas Francas en el nuevo modelo operativo global: Desafíos y Oportunidades”, organizado conjuntamente por la World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) y el Ministerio de Comercio e Industria de la República de Panamá, que se celebrará del 12 al 14 de mayo de 2026 en el Centro de Convenciones de Panamá. El Congreso incluirá una Conferencia Ministerial Global el 12 de mayo de 2026, dedicada a analizar el papel estratégico de los gobiernos en el desarrollo y fortalecimiento de las operaciones de zonas francas, asegurando la relevancia regulatoria en un contexto de creciente incertidumbre geopolítica. Su participación permitirá identificar oportunidades emergentes en la gestión digital de zonas, en modelos de producción más sostenibles y eficientes, y en estrategias para atraer inversión alineadas con las dinámicas del comercio internacional. Este congreso anual constituye un espacio de referencia para responsables de políticas públicas, líderes empresariales globales, altos funcionarios gubernamentales, representantes de organismos multilaterales y académicos de prestigio. También asistirán directores generales de las principales Zonas Francas de todos los continentes. El evento ofrece una plataforma única para debatir temas clave que impactan el comercio, el empleo, la logística, la sostenibilidad y la economía mundial. Asimismo, las sesiones de networking brindan acceso directo a tomadores de decisiones internacionales que influyen en las políticas de negocios, comercio e inversión. Se espera la participación de más de 1,500 delegados provenientes de más de 100 países, garantizando un encuentro verdaderamente global e inclusivo. Sería un honor contar con su presencia en esta distinguida reunión ministerial. Su participación enriquecerá las discusiones y contribuirá al éxito del Congreso, además de brindarle la oportunidad de establecer vínculos con colegas y potenciales socios. Si desea recomendar otras personas de su red para que sean invitadas, le agradeceríamos que nos lo indique. Adjunto encontrará el programa y la nota conceptual.

February 9th, 2026 H.E. Erkki Keldo Minister Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Estonia.

Subject: Invitation to Speak at the Ministerial Roundtable at the World FZO World Congress 2026 Your Excellency, We are honored to extend this invitation to attend our upcoming 12th World Congress, under the theme of "Free Zones in the new global operating model: Challenges and Opportunities," co-hosted by the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) and Ministerio de Comercio e Industria, República de Panamá, and to be held from May 12th to 14th, 2026 at the Panama Convention Center in Panama City. The Congress will feature a Global Ministerial Conference on May 12th, 2026, designed to examine the strategic role of governments in developing and enhancing free zones operations while maintaining regulatory pertinence amidst rising geopolitical uncertainty. Your presence here will allow you and your peers to identify emerging opportunities in digitalized zone management, greener and more efficient production models, and strategies to attract investment in line with evolving global trade networks. More broadly, our annual congress is a premier gathering for senior policymakers like yourself, global business leaders, senior government officials, multilateral organization representatives, and leading academics from around the world. CEOs from leading Free Zones of every continent will also attend. The event offers a platform to discuss and explore critical topics that impact trade, employment, logistics, sustainability, and the wider economy. Networking sessions provide access to key international decision- makers who shape business, trade, and investment policies. We anticipate hosting over 1,500 delegates from more than 100 countries for a truly global and inclusive event with a range of rich perspectives. We would be delighted if you could mark your attendance at this esteemed meeting of Ministers in your calendar. Your presence would greatly enrich discussions and would contribute to the success of the congress while enabling you to connect with a wide range of peers and potential partners. Should you wish to suggest other people from your own network that we might invite, please let us know so we may reach out to them as well on your behalf. Please find the program and concept note attached.

Office: #1090, 1st Floor, 7w-b. Dubai Airport Free Zone PO BOX 371113 Dubai United Arab Emirates. [email protected] | +971 4 204 5473 | +971 4 295 2945

Global Ministerial Roundtable Program – Concept Note Theme: “Industrial Development Strategies and New Generation of Free Zones”

Introduction The Global Ministerial Roundtable will convene Ministers and other high-level global stakeholders to address key and emerging challenges and opportunities for free zones. It will examine the evolving role of industrial development strategies and the emergence of a new generation of Free Zones and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The Roundtable is expected to provide a strategic platform for Ministers to exchange perspectives on how industrial policy and zone-based development can respond to a rapidly transforming global economy and new investment-development paradigm. Global production systems are undergoing profound reconfiguration. Geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain realignments, regulatory fragmentation, and uneven logistics readiness are reshaping investment decisions and industrial competitiveness. At the same time, digital transformation, sustainability imperatives, and new models of public-private collaboration are creating fresh opportunities for industrial upgrading and value creation. In this context, Free Zones and SEZs are no longer defined solely by fiscal incentives or export orientation. They are increasingly expected to function as integrated industrial ecosystems—supporting innovation, enabling greener production, strengthening resilience, and anchoring countries more effectively within global and regional value chains. The Global Ministerial Roundtable will explore how modern industrial strategies and next-generation Free Zones can jointly address these challenges while unlocking new sources of growth. It will emphasize practical policy responses, governance innovations, and investment models that balance competitiveness with resilience and sustainability. Key Issues for Ministerial Discussion

1. Strategic Role of Free Zones in National Industrial Policy

How can Free Zones and Special Economic Zones be more effectively aligned with national and regional industrial development strategies? Ministers will consider how zones can support priority sectors, strengthen economic resilience, and respond to the reconfiguration of global and regional value chains amid rising uncertainty.

2. Structural Design of the New Generation of Free Zones

What structural features define the new generation of Free Zones? This discussion will focus on zone typologies, sectoral clustering, integrated service models, and the shift toward outcomes-oriented zone frameworks that go beyond traditional incentive-driven approaches.

3. Digital Operations and Smart Zone Management

How can digital technologies enhance the operational efficiency and transparency of Free Zones? Ministers will exchange views on digital single windows, automated processes, smart logistics systems, and data-driven zone management that improve investor services.

4. Sustainability and Green Industrial Models

How can Free Zones support environmentally sustainable industrial development? The session will explore low- carbon infrastructure, renewable energy integration, circular economy practices, and environmental

performance standards that align zone- based production with sustainability objectives.

5. Investment Mobilization and Global Production Networks

How can Free Zones attract quality investment and anchor firms within evolving global and regional production networks? Ministers will discuss targeted investment promotion strategies, risk mitigation mechanisms, and partnerships that support value chain upgrading and long-term industrial competitiveness.

6. Governance, Regulation, and Public–Private Coordination

What governance and enabling frameworks are required to ensure coherence and effectiveness in Free Zone development? This discussion will address institutional arrangements, regulatory clarity, inter-ministerial coordination, and structured public– private collaboration to support sustainable zone performance. Expected Outcomes The roundtable aims to achieve the following:

• Policy insights on best practices for addressing emerging challenges in building the new generation of Free Zones and Economic Zones.

• Actionable recommendations on leveraging Free Zones and SEZs to advance industrial policy objectives in the current global economic landscape.

• Shared understanding of governance and partnership models that enhance competitiveness while promoting resilience and sustainability.

Office: #1090, 1st Floor, 7w-b. Dubai Airport Free Zone PO BOX 371113 Dubai United Arab Emirates. [email protected] | +971 4 204 5473 | +971 4 295 2945

The session will conclude with a Ministerial Communiqué or Call to Action, capturing key takeaway messages and encouraging Ministers, Free Zone authorities, international organizations, and the investment community to pursue coherent and coordinated efforts. The objective is to create synergies that enable the new generation of Free Zones to contribute to sustainable development, and prosperity for all. Participants

• Ministers responsible for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones

• Special invitees, including Heads of International Organizations and Development Banks

• Selected Executive representatives of Free Zones and SEZ authorities

• Private-sector leaders and investment stakeholders

Office: #1090, 1st Floor, 7w-b. Dubai Airport Free Zone Dubai United Arab Emirates. [email protected] | +971 4 204 5473 | +971 4 295 2945

Asunto: Participación en la Mesa Redonda Ministerial en el marco del Congreso Mundial de la World FZO 2026 Su Excelencia: Tenemos el honor de invitarle a participar en nuestro 12º Congreso Mundial, bajo el lema “Zonas Francas en el nuevo modelo operativo global: Desafíos y Oportunidades”, organizado conjuntamente por la World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) y el Ministerio de Comercio e Industria de la República de Panamá, que se celebrará del 12 al 14 de mayo de 2026 en el Centro de Convenciones de Panamá. El Congreso incluirá una Conferencia Ministerial Global el 12 de mayo de 2026, dedicada a analizar el papel estratégico de los gobiernos en el desarrollo y fortalecimiento de las operaciones de zonas francas, asegurando la relevancia regulatoria en un contexto de creciente incertidumbre geopolítica. Su participación permitirá identificar oportunidades emergentes en la gestión digital de zonas, en modelos de producción más sostenibles y eficientes, y en estrategias para atraer inversión alineadas con las dinámicas del comercio internacional. Este congreso anual constituye un espacio de referencia para responsables de políticas públicas, líderes empresariales globales, altos funcionarios gubernamentales, representantes de organismos multilaterales y académicos de prestigio. También asistirán directores generales de las principales Zonas Francas de todos los continentes. El evento ofrece una plataforma única para debatir temas clave que impactan el comercio, el empleo, la logística, la sostenibilidad y la economía mundial. Asimismo, las sesiones de networking brindan acceso directo a tomadores de decisiones internacionales que influyen en las políticas de negocios, comercio e inversión. Se espera la participación de más de 1,500 delegados provenientes de más de 100 países, garantizando un encuentro verdaderamente global e inclusivo. Sería un honor contar con su presencia en esta distinguida reunión ministerial. Su participación enriquecerá las discusiones y contribuirá al éxito del Congreso, además de brindarle la oportunidad de establecer vínculos con colegas y potenciales socios. Si desea recomendar otras personas de su red para que sean invitadas, le agradeceríamos que nos lo indique. Adjunto encontrará el programa y la nota conceptual.