World Free Zones Organization conference to convene in Panama May 12–14, 2026
Panama to host the World Free Zones Organization conference May 12–14, 2026, with 1,500+ leaders to discuss trade, digitalisation, investment and sustainability.
The World Free Zones Organization conference will be held in Panama from May 12–14, 2026, bringing together more than 1,500 decision-makers, CEOs and government officials to shape the future of free zones and economic regions. The 12th annual international meeting will open under the patronage of Panama’s president and feature heads of state, senior ministers and leaders from multilateral institutions. The event positions Panama as a strategic gateway for trade and logistics between the Americas and the wider global economy.
Panama to host the 12th annual summit
Panama will formally open the conference on May 12 with President José Raúl Molino presiding over the inauguration ceremony. The opening is expected to attract high-level delegations including Presidents Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala and Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic, alongside more than 20 cabinet ministers. Government participation underlines Panama’s role as a hub for trade, logistics and cross-border investment.
The host government is co-organising the event with the World Free Zones Organization, signalling a concerted effort to showcase Panama’s infrastructure and connectivity. Officials have framed the summit as an opportunity to deepen regional links and attract new projects that leverage the country’s ports, canals and logistics services.
Senior global officials and institutional participation
The conference programme lists prominent international figures from development and trade organisations among its speakers and panelists. Participants include the director-general of the UN Industrial Development Organization, Gerd Müller, AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene, and UNCTAD Deputy Secretary General Pedro Manuel Moreno. Transport and labour bodies are represented by Umberto De Pretto of the IRU and Gilbert F. Houngbo of the ILO respectively.
Their attendance signals a broad agenda that connects trade policy, industrial development, labour standards and transport logistics. Organisers say the mix of institutional voices will support policy dialogue on harmonising regulations and promoting investment in special economic zones worldwide.
Conference agenda emphasises digitalisation and sustainability
Under the theme “Free Zones in the New Global Operating Model: Challenges and Opportunities,” the programme places strong emphasis on digital transformation, environmental sustainability and resilient supply chains. Sessions will explore how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart infrastructure can raise competitiveness in economic zones.
Panels will examine green industrialisation and cleaner logistics as zones seek to meet investor and regulatory demands for lower carbon footprints. Organisers have designed the agenda to connect policy debates with practical case studies that demonstrate how zones can drive sustainable economic diversification.
Ministerial and regional dialogues to address policy alignment
The summit includes a set of ministerial roundtables focused on regions and trading blocs, including sessions for Caribbean states, Latin America, Mercosur and a BRICS Plus free zones dialogue. These platforms aim to foster policy coherence on customs, investment incentives and industrial cooperation across borders.
Delegates will use ministerial forums to discuss coordinated approaches to regulatory frameworks and value-chain integration. The structure seeks to move beyond theoretical discussion toward actionable agreements that facilitate cross-border trade and attract long-term investment.
Innovation showcase, technology lab and investor matchmaking
A central feature of the event will be a technology foresight lab and an innovation expo that highlight practical applications of advanced technologies in zone management. Exhibitors and demonstrations will focus on digital trade platforms, intelligent logistics systems and tools for regulatory compliance.
Complementing the showcase, targeted investor matchmaking and executive leadership programmes are scheduled to connect project developers with capital and build managerial capacity. Organisers expect these initiatives to catalyse new partnerships, joint ventures and projects in manufacturing, logistics and services within special economic zones.
Organisation’s mandate and Dubai headquarters
The World Free Zones Organization, headquartered in Dubai, represents free zones, special economic zones and industrial parks globally and works to promote cooperation between members, governments and the private sector. Since its founding, the body has sought to shape policy standards, share operational best practice and support sustainable development through capacity building.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, president of the organisation, said the Panama conference underlines the role of free zones as instruments for diversification, digital adoption and inclusive growth. He described the summit as a platform for aligning practical solutions with evolving global trade dynamics and for creating standards that enhance zone competitiveness.
The three-day event will feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions, ministerial debates and closed-door investor meetings designed to produce policy recommendations and commercial outcomes. With high-level political support and a packed technical programme, organisers say the Panama conference aims to advance an actionable agenda for the next phase of special economic zone development.
The summit’s mix of political leadership, institutional expertise and private-sector innovation reflects growing recognition of free zones as pivotal nodes in global trade and investment networks. As the conference convenes in mid-May, participants will focus on creating resilient, digitally enabled and sustainable zone models that can attract investment and support long-term economic transformation.