The 11th World Free Zones Organization World Congress, co-hosted by the World Free Zone Organization (World FZO) and the Hainan International Economic Development Bureau, will take place in Hainan, China from October 10 to 12, 2025. Under the theme "Zones: The Gateway to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation", the World Congress will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and renowned experts from the global free zone sector to jointly explore the new roles and opportunities of free zones in the global economy.

World Congress Agenda: Six Key Themes to Lead In-depth Discussion

The World Congress will feature six major themes that address the most critical dimensions of free zone development:

Theme 1: Free Zones as Engines for Economic Prosperity

Exploring the role of free zones in driving inclusive growth and structural transformation, involving key issues such as catalyzing local and regional growth, developing tourism economic free zone, coordination between World Trade Center and free zone, and evaluation of free zone influence.

Theme 2: Collaborative development of stakeholders

Focus on the participation and empowerment of diverse actors in the free zone ecosystem, including breakthroughs in women's leadership, integration of small and medium-sized enterprises into global value chains, and optimization of enterprise user service experience.

Theme 3: Free Trade Port——China Practice Focus

An in-depth analysis of the experience and implications of China's free trade ports (especially Hainan) in institutional innovation, trade facilitation, and global supply chain integration will provide a Chinese solution for the development of global free trade zones.

Theme 4: Global Connectivity Pathways——Promoting Openness and Sustainable Integration

Focusing on connectivity challenges in the context of global trade fragmentation, this paper discusses issues such as digital trade, tariff and tax policies, and regional portal functions, highlighting the pivotal role of free zones in building resilient supply chains.

Theme 5: Digital empowerment of the Free Zone transformation

We will focus on the application of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and blockchain in the operation of free zones, trade facilitation and cyber security, and promote the development of free zones in a smart, green and efficient direction.

Theme 6: Bridging the Gap — Shaping the Future  

This track focuses on the common challenges and future trends in free zone development, addressing structural issues and exploring strategic pathways to build sustainable competitiveness through a series of workshops.

A Host of Prominent Guests Gathered to Discuss The Future of The Free Zone

The World Congress will convene a prestigious group of leaders from international organizations, governments, free zone authorities and well-known enterprises, including:

✦ Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization

✦ Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World Free Zone Organization

✦ Fang Aiqing, President of China International Investment Promotion Association

✦ Umberto de Preto, Secretary-General of the International Road Union

✦ Ray Wieschelde, Director, Sustainable Business, Productivity and Just Transition Division, International Labour Organization (ILO)

✦ James X. Zhan, Executive Committee Chair, World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA)

✦ Holger Bingermann, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

✦ Martin Peterson, Dubai International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

✦ Srikanth Badiga, Chairman of the Export Promotion Council for India's Export-Oriented Enterprises and Special Economic Zones (EPCES)

✦ Ahmed Bennis, Secretary General, Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO)

✦ Hossam Heiba, CEO, General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), Egypt

✦ Martin Ibarra, President, Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants, Colombia

✦ Blanca Sorigué, Managing Director, Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, Spain

✦ Helson Braga, President, ABRAZPE, Brazil

✦ Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Nigeria

✦ Shaikh Dr. Ali Masoud Ali Al Sunaidy, Oman

✦ Chi Fulin, President of China Institute for Reform and Development

Additional speeches and discussions will be delivered by representatives of more international institutions, governments, free zone administrations, businesses and experts.

Enriching the World Congress with High-Level Parallel Sessions

A number of high-level parallel events will be held at the same time as the conference, including:

• Ministerial Roundtable: Focusing on "Reshaping Trade: Digital Solutions in an Evolving World"

• BRICS Special Economic Zone Meeting: Promoting South-South Cooperation and Experience Sharing

• The First China Comprehensive Bonded Zone Development International Forum: Displaying the Open Innovation Achievements of China

• Executive Leadership Program: Improve the ability of operation management and strategic planning in the Free Zone

• Startup Conference: Connecting start-ups, investment institutions and free zone resources

  Shaping the Future of Free Zones Together

The World Free Zones Organization World Congress is the largest and most influential international event dedicated to free zones. Based on a global perspective and focusing on practical innovation, this conference aims to provide participants with a high-end platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration.

We warmly invite representatives from around the world to join us in Hainan to explore new development paths for free zones, and collectively shape a bright future of global prosperity, trade and sustainable innovation!

Details of the conference theme and speakers, click： 

11th-World-Congress-Program_28_Aug_2025.pdf

For more information about the World Congress and registration, please visit the official website of the conference: https://www.wfzoworldcongress.com/. For in-depth participation and cooperation needs, please contact the organizing committee at international@investhainan.cn.