World FZO Annual Congress to Convene in Hainan, China

The World Free Zones Organization’s (World FZO) 11th annual World Congress will take place from October 10 to 12 in Haikou City, Hainan Province, China. 

Held under the theme “Free Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation”, the Congress is jointly hosted by World FZO and the Hainan International Economic Development Bureau (IEDB). The Congress is co-organized by Hainan Development Holdings Co., Ltd., the Haikou Jiangdong New Area (JDNA) and the China Association of Special Zones & Export Processing Zones, with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Investment and Technology Promotion Office and intellectual backing from the China Institute for Reform and Development. 

This year’s Congress will bring together leaders and experts from more than 70 countries and regions, with over 50 confirmed speakers. The program includes senior World FZO representatives, heads of free zone organizations, leaders of import and export associations, economists, and academics. 

The lineup reflects strong international representation, including major economies such as Switzerland, Singapore, the UAE, United States, and Germany. It also reflects diversity in professional fields, uniting government officials, industry leaders, Fortune Global 500 executives, and scholars from leading universities. Notably, policymakers from Indonesia, Jamaica, and Colombia will present case studies from their national free trade zones.

Among the distinguished guests is Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University and President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. A globally recognized leader in sustainable development, Professor Sachs served as Special Advisor to three consecutive UN Secretaries-General (2001–2018) and played a key role in shaping both the UN Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Over three days, the Congress will host more than 30 high-level forums, parallel sessions, and networking events, focusing on the critical role of free zones in driving economic prosperity, trade connectivity, and technological integration. 

Since its inception in 2015, the World FZO Congress has been successfully held across multiple countries including the UAE, Jamaica, Spain, and Colombia. Today with over 1,600 members spanning more than 140 countries, the World FZO serves as a leading institution in global free zone development, fostering collaboration and advancing high-standard practices worldwide.

Hosting the Congress in Hainan carries special significance, reflecting the growth and importance of the Hainan Free Trade Port. 

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization, said: “Choosing Hainan as the host for this year’s Congress holds profound symbolic meaning. As China’s largest Free Trade Port, Hainan is at the forefront of policy experimentation, institutional reform, and green economic transformation. With its open business environment, forward-looking governance, and commitment to global cooperation, Hainan demonstrates the development potential of a modern free zone.”