World FZO 11th World Congress

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

August 14, 2025

H.E. Erkki Keldo Minister of Economy and Industry Estonia Subject: Invitation to Speak at the Ministerial Roundtable at the World FZO World Congress 2025 Your Excellency, It is with great respect that I extend to you an invitation to speak at the Ministerial Roundtable to be held during the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) 11th World Congress 2025, taking place 10th – 12th October 2025 in Hainan, China. Under the theme “Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation,” this year’s Congress serves as the premier global platform for dialogue among policymakers, economic and business leaders, and practitioners on the evolving role of free zones in shaping inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready economies. The Ministerial Roundtable, scheduled for 10 October at 13:00 hrs, will convene ministerial officials from across the world to engage in high-level dialogue on advancing industrial and development strategies through free zones and other special economic zones. The discussion will focus on how tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and paperless trade systems can be integrated into policy and practice to reduce transaction costs, expand market access, and boost competitiveness.

By focusing on collaboration across sectors and borders, the roundtable aims to identify practical,

forward-looking strategies to harness digitalization while addressing risks related to

fragmentation, digital divides, and regulatory misalignment. Please find attached the concept

note on the Ministerial Roundtable.

Your presence at this important gathering would be of great significance. We would be honored to have you join your esteemed peers in shaping the global agenda for free zones and sharing your country’s leadership and experience in this vital area. In case you would like to take this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with your peer ministers and business executives attending the congress, we would be happy to facilitate them. Additional logistical information and program details will be shared through our Secretariat upon your confirmation. Looking forward to hearing from you latest by August 25th to finalize proper arrangements for your visit. Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions or coordination needs.

Ministerial Roundtable Program

Theme: “Reimagining Trade: Digital Solutions in an Evolving World”

Introduction

The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) 11th World Congress 2025 is scheduled to take

place from 10th – 12th October 2025 in Hainan, China. The key theme for this years Congress is

titled: “Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation”.

The Ministerial Roundtable, during the Congress is scheduled for 10 October at 13:00 hrs, and it

will convene ministerial officials from across the world to engage in high-level dialogue on

advancing industrial and development strategies through free zones and other special economic

zones. The Theme of the Ministerial Roundtable program is titled: “Reimagining Trade: Digital

Solutions in an Evolving World”, details of which are as follows:

Global trade stands at a critical juncture. The combined impact of accelerating digital

transformation, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and evolving supply chain models is reshaping the

foundations of international commerce. These forces bring forth complex challenges, ranging from

trade fragmentation and rising regulatory burdens to supply chain vulnerabilities. Yet, within this

complexity lies immense opportunities.

Digital technologies are unlocking new pathways for enhancing trade efficiency, resilience, and

inclusivity. As economies navigate this transition, free trade zones and other special economic

zones (SEZs) emerge as strategic platforms for piloting and scaling digital trade solutions. These

zones can act as testbeds for innovation, attracting digital investments, improving logistics

performance, and fostering inclusive growth models aligned with sustainable development goals.

In this context, the Ministerial Roundtable convenes senior policymakers, industry leaders, and

global experts to chart a path toward a digitally enabled trade future. The discussion will centre

on how tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and paperless trade systems can be

integrated into policy and practice to reduce transaction costs, expand market access, and boost

competitiveness.

By focusing on collaboration across sectors and borders, the roundtable aims to identify practical,

forward-looking strategies to harness digitalization while addressing risks related to fragmentation,

digital divides, and regulatory misalignment.

Key Issues for Ministerial Discussion

1. Addressing Global Trade Challenges:

How can digital innovation help buffer global trade from external shocks, such as

geopolitical tensions, climate disruptions, and post-pandemic instability? Ministers will

explore ways to build digital resilience into trade systems, ensuring continuity and

adaptability in volatile times.

2. Modernizing Free Trade Zones and Other SEZs:

What policies, infrastructure, and digital technologies are needed to position SEZs as

magnets for investment and hubs for digital trade? This session will consider how SEZs can

lead in piloting smart customs, digital permits, and blockchain-enabled supply chain

tracking.

3. Digital Trade Facilitation:

How can governments and the private sector work together to implement interoperable

digital systems—such as e-commerce platforms, customs automation, and smart logistics?

This topic will address scalability, integration, and public-private coordination.

4. Inclusive Digital Trade:

What targeted measures are needed to ensure that small and medium enterprises (SMEs),

women entrepreneurs, and developing economies can meaningfully participate in and

benefit from digital trade ecosystems? The discussion will highlight capacity-building,

digital skilling, and financial inclusion.

5. Regulatory Cooperation and Governance:

How can countries develop coherent frameworks for cross-border data flows,

cybersecurity, and digital standards? Ministers will examine approaches to regulatory

harmonization that uphold data privacy, consumer protection, and trust.

Expected Outcomes

The roundtable aims to achieve the following:

• Policy insights on integrating emerging digital tools into national and regional trade

strategies.

• Actionable recommendations for leveraging SEZs as enablers of digital innovation in trade.

• Commitment to developing interoperable digital trade frameworks that promote

collaboration, trust, and shared prosperity.

The session will conclude with a Ministerial Communique on the takeaway messages or a Call to

action—urging stakeholders to pursue coordinated, inclusive, and tech-enabled trade strategies

for a dynamic and interconnected global economy.

--

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

August 14, 2025

H.E. Erkki Keldo Minister of Economy and Industry Estonia Subject: Invitation to Speak at the Ministerial Roundtable at the World FZO World Congress 2025 Your Excellency, It is with great respect that I extend to you an invitation to speak at the Ministerial Roundtable to be held during the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) 11th World Congress 2025, taking place 10th – 12th October 2025 in Hainan, China. Under the theme “Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation,” this year’s Congress serves as the premier global platform for dialogue among policymakers, economic and business leaders, and practitioners on the evolving role of free zones in shaping inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready economies. The Ministerial Roundtable, scheduled for 10 October at 13:00 hrs, will convene ministerial officials from across the world to engage in high-level dialogue on advancing industrial and development strategies through free zones and other special economic zones. The discussion will focus on how tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and paperless trade systems can be integrated into policy and practice to reduce transaction costs, expand market access, and boost competitiveness.

By focusing on collaboration across sectors and borders, the roundtable aims to identify practical,

forward-looking strategies to harness digitalization while addressing risks related to

fragmentation, digital divides, and regulatory misalignment. Please find attached the concept

note on the Ministerial Roundtable.

Your presence at this important gathering would be of great significance. We would be honored to have you join your esteemed peers in shaping the global agenda for free zones and sharing your country’s leadership and experience in this vital area. In case you would like to take this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with your peer ministers and business executives attending the congress, we would be happy to facilitate them. Additional logistical information and program details will be shared through our Secretariat upon your confirmation. Looking forward to hearing from you latest by August 25th to finalize proper arrangements for your visit. Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions or coordination needs.

Ministerial Roundtable Program

Theme: “Reimagining Trade: Digital Solutions in an Evolving World”

Introduction

The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) 11th World Congress 2025 is scheduled to take

place from 10th – 12th October 2025 in Hainan, China. The key theme for this years Congress is

titled: “Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation”.

The Ministerial Roundtable, during the Congress is scheduled for 10 October at 13:00 hrs, and it

will convene ministerial officials from across the world to engage in high-level dialogue on

advancing industrial and development strategies through free zones and other special economic

zones. The Theme of the Ministerial Roundtable program is titled: “Reimagining Trade: Digital

Solutions in an Evolving World”, details of which are as follows:

Global trade stands at a critical juncture. The combined impact of accelerating digital

transformation, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and evolving supply chain models is reshaping the

foundations of international commerce. These forces bring forth complex challenges, ranging from

trade fragmentation and rising regulatory burdens to supply chain vulnerabilities. Yet, within this

complexity lies immense opportunities.

Digital technologies are unlocking new pathways for enhancing trade efficiency, resilience, and

inclusivity. As economies navigate this transition, free trade zones and other special economic

zones (SEZs) emerge as strategic platforms for piloting and scaling digital trade solutions. These

zones can act as testbeds for innovation, attracting digital investments, improving logistics

performance, and fostering inclusive growth models aligned with sustainable development goals.

In this context, the Ministerial Roundtable convenes senior policymakers, industry leaders, and

global experts to chart a path toward a digitally enabled trade future. The discussion will centre

on how tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and paperless trade systems can be

integrated into policy and practice to reduce transaction costs, expand market access, and boost

competitiveness.

By focusing on collaboration across sectors and borders, the roundtable aims to identify practical,

forward-looking strategies to harness digitalization while addressing risks related to fragmentation,

digital divides, and regulatory misalignment.

Key Issues for Ministerial Discussion

1. Addressing Global Trade Challenges:

How can digital innovation help buffer global trade from external shocks, such as

geopolitical tensions, climate disruptions, and post-pandemic instability? Ministers will

explore ways to build digital resilience into trade systems, ensuring continuity and

adaptability in volatile times.

2. Modernizing Free Trade Zones and Other SEZs:

What policies, infrastructure, and digital technologies are needed to position SEZs as

magnets for investment and hubs for digital trade? This session will consider how SEZs can

lead in piloting smart customs, digital permits, and blockchain-enabled supply chain

tracking.

3. Digital Trade Facilitation:

How can governments and the private sector work together to implement interoperable

digital systems—such as e-commerce platforms, customs automation, and smart logistics?

This topic will address scalability, integration, and public-private coordination.

4. Inclusive Digital Trade:

What targeted measures are needed to ensure that small and medium enterprises (SMEs),

women entrepreneurs, and developing economies can meaningfully participate in and

benefit from digital trade ecosystems? The discussion will highlight capacity-building,

digital skilling, and financial inclusion.

5. Regulatory Cooperation and Governance:

How can countries develop coherent frameworks for cross-border data flows,

cybersecurity, and digital standards? Ministers will examine approaches to regulatory

harmonization that uphold data privacy, consumer protection, and trust.

Expected Outcomes

The roundtable aims to achieve the following:

• Policy insights on integrating emerging digital tools into national and regional trade

strategies.

• Actionable recommendations for leveraging SEZs as enablers of digital innovation in trade.

• Commitment to developing interoperable digital trade frameworks that promote

collaboration, trust, and shared prosperity.

The session will conclude with a Ministerial Communique on the takeaway messages or a Call to

action—urging stakeholders to pursue coordinated, inclusive, and tech-enabled trade strategies

for a dynamic and interconnected global economy.

--