IFZA Dubai, the UAE’s most dynamic and truly international Free Zone, has announced its support of the 2023 Annual International Conference & Exhibition, hosted by the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), taking place from 1-3 May 2023.
The signing ceremony took place on 14 February 2023 at IFZA Headquarters and was attended by Dr. Samir Hamrouni, World FZO CEO, and Martin G. Pedersen, IFZA Chairman.
The World FZO’s flagship annual international conference draws more than 1,000 delegates from 120 countries each year. It facilitates an in-depth exchange of ideas and information as well as holds strategic discussions among the Free Trade Zone and investor community through addresses, keynote speeches, and panel discussions.
Previous editions of the conference were hosted in Montego Bay (Jamaica), Barcelona, and Cartagena among others. This year, participants will focus on the theme: ‘Global Trade 2.0: Zones, An Ecosystem of Trust Driving Prosperity’, and how a Free Zone’s network of trust can be leveraged to drive competitiveness, attract FDIs, and gain buy-in from the public and policymakers.
Hamrouni said, “Since our launch in 2014, the World FZO has consistently played an active role in developing and transforming the industry to prepare for the future. We aim to bring together the Free Zone community to explore potential collaborations and opportunities that will drive sustainable business growth, provide cost-effective incentives, and enhance the digital transformation of the sector both regionally and globally. We are excited to work with IFZA for AICE 2023 to create, lead, and be part of an ecosystem of trust that enables Free Zones to navigate the dynamic trade industry.”
Pedersen commented, “We are thankful for the opportunity to work with World FZO as it brings together the best minds across the Free Zone sector at AICE 2023. This year’s theme of building an eco-system of trust is in perfect alignment with the various initiatives we have undertaken for our Licensees at IFZA, to ensure they can efficiently set up their business with peace of mind. We look forward to introducing our global network of Professional Partners to event guests and discussing new opportunities and ideas.”
The two-day event will focus on five-panel discussions, which highlight themes on designing, building, and sustaining ecosystems of trust, mitigating and managing disruptive events, keeping zones dynamic to deliver prosperity, navigating the changing rules of corporate governance, and the digital tools used to help build trust. The event also includes a special session on achieving net zero targets and decarbonization of Free Zones.
At the conference, IFZA will be participating in several thought leadership discussions alongside global industry leaders.