Hainan: The World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO) will host its 11th annual World Congress from 10-12 October 2025 at the Hainan International Conference and Exhibition Centre, bringing together more than 1,500 policymakers, business leaders, and free zone practitioners from across the globe.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event, themed 'Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation', will be the largest and most influential gathering of its kind. It will provide a platform for governments, investors, and industry experts to address issues shaping the future of global trade and investment. Organised in partnership with the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development, the Congress reflects Hainan's strategic significance as China's flagship Free Trade Port and a key hub of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Opening Ceremony will feature keynote addresses by Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World FZO; Aiqing Fang, President of the China International Investment Promotion Council; Umberto de Pretto, Secretary-General of the International Road Union; and Rie Vejs-Kjeldgaard, Director of the Department of Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition at the International Labour Organisation.
Over the course of three days, attendees will engage in a comprehensive programme comprising keynote speeches, roundtables, panel discussions, case studies, and leadership sessions across six thematic tracks. These tracks will delve into the economic and social contributions of zones, the importance of resilient stakeholder ecosystems, the transformation of China's Free Trade Ports, and the evolving dynamics of global trade and supply chains.
The programme will also spotlight digitalisation's role in enhancing competitiveness through technologies like artificial intelligence, IoT, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Additionally, it will focus on investment megatrends, sustainability, and how zones can drive future industries.
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni emphasised the critical role of free zones in the global economy, noting their evolution into complex ecosystems that foster industrial diversification, employment, and entrepreneurship. With over 3,500 free zones worldwide contributing significantly to global trade and employment, the Congress aims to reaffirm the transformative role of zones amid technological and climate challenges.
The agenda includes milestone events such as the Executive Leadership Programme, a high-level Ministerial Meeting, the First China Comprehensive Free Trade Zone Development International Forum, and the launch of the World FZO Sustainable Zones Certification Programme. This certification, developed with MVGX, aligns with ISO 37101 standards and sets a benchmark for sustainable industrial parks.
Beyond formal sessions, the Congress will offer an extensive exhibition area, networking opportunities, and cultural events to foster partnerships and investment. These activities aim to provide delegates with insights into driving impact through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.
As the free zone movement stands at a pivotal transition, the 11th World FZO World Congress is poised to shape the future of trade and investment, ensuring free zones continue to significantly contribute to the sustainable transformation of the global economy.