The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), the multi-lateral non-profit, global association for free zones, has revealed  the dates for its first annual conference – ‘Free Zone Outlook International.’

Under the theme ‘Towards a New Global Trade Order,’ the conference will be held from May 11 to 13 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai, UAE.

It will bring together senior policy makers, academics, global business leaders as well as representatives of free zones and multi-laterals from around the world.

The conference will provide high-level networking opportunities for delegates and World FZO members, as well as the opportunity for the latter to attend the World FZO’s General Assembly.

Launched in May last year, the World FZO aims to share best practice and foster public awareness of the role and contribution to economic growth that free zones can make.

Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, chairman, FZO, said: “This is the first time that representatives from hundreds of free zones from around the world will have the opportunity to meet each other and share their experiences.

“It’s a chance for members to learn more about how the free zone model can positively impact socio-economic change by encouraging infrastructure investment, as well as enabling job and wealth creation.”

The Free Zone Outlook International will feature various panel discussions and debates, and explore how the fragmentation of global supply chains are impacting global trade.

It will also look at how competitive advantage in this new market context is derived from a country’s ability to attract international business through fiscal incentives and the availability of supporting infrastructure.
 
Dr Samir Hamrouni, chief executive officer, World FZO, said: “Given changing global trade dynamics, countries are having to introduce new strategies to remain competitive. Free zones often form part of the approach, affording flexibility to governments and a bridge to enhanced future trade and capital inflows without the need for radical changes to domestic regulations and legal frameworks. Free Zone Outlook International will look at some of the most effective free zone strategies for achieving such results.”

Meanwhile, the World FZO, which has more than 155 members, has a programme schedule for this year, which includes a series of member networking events as well as the publication of a number of industry reports from the World FZO Observatory.

This dedicated research division aims to build a comprehensive knowledge base and atlas on the estimated 3,500 free zones that exist globally to help inform international economic and trade policies.

The Observatory will also provide free zones with comparative data and relevant insights to help them devise the most effective strategies. - TradeArabia News Service