World FZO Congress 2025 To Boost Global Trade And Innovation

The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) will hold its 11th annual World Congress from 10–12 October 2025 at the Hainan International Conference and Exhibition Centre in China. The event is expected to attract over 1,500 policymakers, business leaders, and free zone professionals from around the world.

The congress will be held under the theme “Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation.” Organisers say it will be the largest and most influential gathering dedicated to free zones and their growing role in global trade.

Focus on Hainan and Global Trade

The event is organised in partnership with the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development. Hainan is recognised as China’s flagship Free Trade Port and plays a key role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The partnership highlights Hainan’s position as a global trade hub and its potential to attract foreign investment. The congress will provide a platform to discuss trade facilitation, innovation, and sustainable growth strategies.

Keynote Speakers and Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony will feature keynote speeches by leading international figures. Speakers include 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 at the International Labour Organization.

These speeches are expected to set the tone for discussions on the global impact of free zones, trade policies, and the role of innovation in shaping future economies.

Congress Programme and Sessions

The three-day congress will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, and roundtables across six main tracks. Topics will cover inclusive growth, resilient stakeholder ecosystems, China’s Free Trade Ports transformation, global supply chain shifts, digitalisation through AI and blockchain, and investment trends in sustainability and future industries.

Organisers aim to provide actionable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and free zone managers. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Importance of Free Zones

Dr Al Zarooni highlighted the growing significance of free zones worldwide. Currently, there are over 3,500 free zones that generate 90 million direct jobs and contribute nearly 20% of global trade. He said, “The World Congress in Hainan will be a defining platform to reaffirm the transformative role of zones in a world shaped by technological disruption, shifting supply chains, and urgent climate imperatives.”

The congress is expected to emphasise the strategic role of free zones in driving trade, investment, and economic growth while addressing sustainability challenges.

Special Programmes and Forums

Major highlights of the event include the Executive Leadership Programme, a Ministerial Meeting on trade facilitation and resilience, the First China Comprehensive Free Trade Zone Development Forum, and the BRICS SEZ Meeting.

Additionally, the World FZO Sustainable Zones Certification Programme will be launched during the congress. Developed with MVGX and aligned with ISO 37101 standards, the programme aims to set a global benchmark for sustainable industrial parks.

Networking, Exhibition, and Cultural Activities

Alongside formal sessions, the congress will offer an exhibition area, networking events, and cultural activities. These initiatives aim to build partnerships, attract investment, and foster knowledge exchange among free zone professionals globally.

Organisers stress that this forum comes at a pivotal time for the global free zone movement. It highlights the potential of free zones as engines of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive prosperity.

Outlook for Global Free Zones

The 11th World FZO Congress in Hainan is expected to shape the future of free zones, reinforcing their role as critical drivers of trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth.

Experts believe discussions and outcomes from the congress will help policymakers and businesses strengthen free zone policies, drive innovation, and enhance global trade competitiveness.