The eleventh edition of the annual congress of the World Free Zones Organization will be held between October 10 and 13, 2025, on Hainan Island, China, under the motto "Zones: Gateway to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation."

The fast evolving technologies, the urgent need of solving climate challenges impact the global economic landscape. Industrial zones are now playing a more dynamic role, transforming themselves from traditional economic structures into platforms with a vision for the future that prioritize innovation, sustainability and inclusion. By integrating state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable methodologies, these zones are opening up new avenues for growth in line with global development goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.

One of the main objectives of the World Free Zones Organization is to raise awareness of the economic benefits they bring by strengthening foreign direct investment and trade, promoting cultural diversity, stimulating innovation and skills development, creating jobs, etc. A small selection of the topics to be discussed at the upcoming meeting include: designing next-generation zones: infrastructure for seamless trade; free trade ports stimulating local and global growth; implementing zero-emission practices in zones (sustainable zones); successful zones transforming local economies; using artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and data for operational efficiency; zones as regional trade gateways: challenges and opportunities, etc. 

During the three days of the forum attention will be focused on the new role of economic zones as platforms for inclusive growth and cooperation. From China's “One Belt, One Road” vision to climate-conscious development, the congress will set the tone for a new phase in the development of the global free zones.

More information about the event can be found at: https://www.wfzoworldcongress.com/  

Registration: https://registration.worldfzoaice.com/index.php