World FZO 11th World Congress

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

James X. Zhan

Dr. James Zhan Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WAIPA). He also co- chairs the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones (GASEZ). He is the Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, a global program in partnership with all major stock exchanges worldwide. Dr. Zhan is also Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization, and serves on the fDi Editorial Advisory Board of the Financial Times. Dr. Zhan is a senior fellow affiliated with the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) and a Senior Research Associate at Oxford University. He holds several advisory positions at leading academic institutions, including Oxford University, Columbia University, Cornell University, and Fribourg University. He has previously served as an academic advisor for Cambridge University and Geneva University, and he is a professor and PhD supervisor at Nankai University. Dr. Zhan was the founding co-chair of the Executive Board of the UN Family Business for Sustainable Development Initiative, in collaboration with the Family Business Network International. Additionally, he was co-founder of the World Investment for Development Alliance, which includes major international organizations focused on investment issues. He has held various advisory roles in international organizations, including Chief Strategic Advisor to the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and member of the Advisory Council of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). He was also a member of the Global Agenda Councils for Advanced Manufacturing and for Trade and Investment at the World Economic Forum. From July 2023 to June 2024, Dr. Zhan served as the Chief Advisor to the Secretary-General at the United Nations Trade and Development Agency (UNCTAD). From 2008 to 2023, he was the Senior Director of Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD, and the Chief Editor of the UN World Investment Report and the Transnational Corporations journal. During his tenure at the United Nations, Dr. Zhan provided strategic policy advice to heads of state, ministers, and parliaments in over 100 developing and developed countries. He advised and facilitated cabinet strategic meetings, as well as numerous global summits, including G20, BRICS, ACP, APEC, and ASEAN. He led the formulation of the Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development (IPFSD), a global framework for a new generation of investment strategies and policies used in over 150 countries and major regional groupings. He established the World Investment Forum in 2008, leading it to become a prominent global platform for investment stakeholders worldwide. Dr. Zhan has published more than 100 journal articles and book chapters on investment, trade, technology, and sustainable finance-related economic and legal issues. He has also led the preparation of over 300 publications and substantive reports for the United Nations. Dr. Zhan frequently appears in leading global business and economic media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Financial Times, and Bloomberg.

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

James X. Zhan

Dr. James Zhan Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WAIPA). He also co- chairs the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones (GASEZ). He is the Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, a global program in partnership with all major stock exchanges worldwide. Dr. Zhan is also Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization, and serves on the fDi Editorial Advisory Board of the Financial Times. Dr. Zhan is a senior fellow affiliated with the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) and a Senior Research Associate at Oxford University. He holds several advisory positions at leading academic institutions, including Oxford University, Columbia University, Cornell University, and Fribourg University. He has previously served as an academic advisor for Cambridge University and Geneva University, and he is a professor and PhD supervisor at Nankai University. Dr. Zhan was the founding co-chair of the Executive Board of the UN Family Business for Sustainable Development Initiative, in collaboration with the Family Business Network International. Additionally, he was co-founder of the World Investment for Development Alliance, which includes major international organizations focused on investment issues. He has held various advisory roles in international organizations, including Chief Strategic Advisor to the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and member of the Advisory Council of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). He was also a member of the Global Agenda Councils for Advanced Manufacturing and for Trade and Investment at the World Economic Forum. From July 2023 to June 2024, Dr. Zhan served as the Chief Advisor to the Secretary-General at the United Nations Trade and Development Agency (UNCTAD). From 2008 to 2023, he was the Senior Director of Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD, and the Chief Editor of the UN World Investment Report and the Transnational Corporations journal. During his tenure at the United Nations, Dr. Zhan provided strategic policy advice to heads of state, ministers, and parliaments in over 100 developing and developed countries. He advised and facilitated cabinet strategic meetings, as well as numerous global summits, including G20, BRICS, ACP, APEC, and ASEAN. He led the formulation of the Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development (IPFSD), a global framework for a new generation of investment strategies and policies used in over 150 countries and major regional groupings. He established the World Investment Forum in 2008, leading it to become a prominent global platform for investment stakeholders worldwide. Dr. Zhan has published more than 100 journal articles and book chapters on investment, trade, technology, and sustainable finance-related economic and legal issues. He has also led the preparation of over 300 publications and substantive reports for the United Nations. Dr. Zhan frequently appears in leading global business and economic media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Financial Times, and Bloomberg.

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.

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

11th World FZO World Congress Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation

Hainan International Conference and Exhibition Center, Hainan, China 10 - 12 October 2025

Ministerial Roundtable Program

“Reimagining Trade: Digital Solutions in an Evolving World”

Tentative Agenda Friday October 10 08:45-10:00 Keynote Speakers

10:10-10:20 Official opening of the exhibition -VIP (Optional)

10:30-11:30 Official Opening Ceremony

12:00-12:30 Official Picture

12:30-13:30 Ministerial Lunch

13:30-15:30 Ministerial Meeting

15:30-16:00 Ministerial Networking Break

18:00-21:00 Welcome Reception

Saturday October 11 08:30-09:10 Opening Ceremony “Pathways to Prosperity: Zones and the Future of Trade”

09:30-10:30 “Redefining Connectivity in a Fragmented World/ Future of Logistics”

10:30-10:40 Official Launching of the World FZO and CIRD “Global Free Zones Research Institute”

20:00 -23:00 Gala Dinner

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.

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

11th World FZO World Congress Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation

Hainan International Conference and Exhibition Center, Hainan, China 10 - 12 October 2025

Ministerial Roundtable Program

“Reimagining Trade: Digital Solutions in an Evolving World”

Tentative Agenda Friday October 10 08:45-10:00 Keynote Speakers

10:10-10:20 Official opening of the exhibition -VIP (Optional)

10:30-11:30 Official Opening Ceremony

12:00-12:30 Official Picture

12:30-13:30 Ministerial Lunch

13:30-15:30 Ministerial Meeting

15:30-16:00 Ministerial Networking Break

18:00-21:00 Welcome Reception

Saturday October 11 08:30-09:10 Opening Ceremony “Pathways to Prosperity: Zones and the Future of Trade”

09:30-10:30 “Redefining Connectivity in a Fragmented World/ Future of Logistics”

10:30-10:40 Official Launching of the World FZO and CIRD “Global Free Zones Research Institute”

20:00 -23:00 Gala Dinner

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.

--