Panama hosts global free trade zone congress

Posted on 2026-05-04

Panama is set to become a global hub for economic dialogue as it hosts the World Free Zones Congress, bringing together international leaders to discuss the future of trade, investment, and sustainability.

Organized by the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) in partnership with the Panamanian government, the event will be held under the theme “Free Zones in the New Global Operational Model: Challenges and Opportunities.” The congress aims to provide a strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration to foster resilient, digital, and sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The event will be inaugurated by Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, and is expected to gather ministers, senior government officials, representatives from multinational organizations, and over 1,500 business leaders from around the world.

Key topics on the agenda include digital transformation, sustainability, regional value chains, and the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart infrastructure on economic competitiveness.

The program will also feature ministerial roundtables focused on the Caribbean, Latin America, Mercosur, and BRICS+, along with networking sessions aimed at strengthening partnerships, promoting investment opportunities, and facilitating knowledge exchange.

World FZO President Mohammed Al Zarooni emphasized that the congress will serve as a key platform to redefine the role of free zones as drivers of sustainable economic growth, innovation, and regional integration.