Jamaica, Kingston, June 14, 2022 (WAM)-The World Free Zone Organization (World FZO) is the Global Alliance of the Special Economic Zones Conference (GASEZ) at the 8th Annual International Conference (AICE) in Montego. Was announced. Bay, St. James, Jamaica, until June 17th.
The event will be attended by world-class speakers, senior policy makers, academics, multilateral organizations and global business leaders from more than 100 countries.
The first annual GASEZ was launched in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) under the theme of “Zone, a Partner of Resilience, Sustainability and Prosperity”.
The official launch took place at the signing ceremony during the AICE in front of Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Michael Hornes. World FZO President, Dr. Mohammed al-Zaroni. And other founding members of GASEZ. Members of the alliance include UNCTAD. World Free Zone Organization (WFZO); African Special Economic Zone Organization (AEZO); North and South America Free Trade Area Association (AFZA); International Science Park Association (IASP); National Free Trade Area Association (NAFTZ); Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) And the Federation of World Free Economic Zones (FEMOZA).
The alliance aims to address the most prominent and new issues associated with special economic zones and emphasizes the role of partnerships that enable the exchange of experience during the post-pandemic recovery phase. The alliance also aims to build global partnerships to promote cross-border cross-cutting cooperation in the areas of trade, investment and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It also helps drive policies to develop frameworks for achieving special economic zones at the local, regional and global levels.
GASEZ helps organizations exchange experiences and best practices between key experts in the World Investment Forum and other experts. It is also a platform for launching programs for the development of special economic zones and building model-free zones for sustainable development goals.
“The World Free Zone Organization reaffirms its commitment to support the development of free zones around the world. Today, we participated in the launch of the Global Alliance for Special Economic Zones,” said Dr. Mohammed al-Zaroni. This partnership strengthens the platform we offer. Shapes the future of collaboration between financial institutions, special economic zone developers, governments and investment promotion agencies. These initiatives are the sustainable growth of free zones. It aims to develop and create opportunities for regional and global partnerships that are crucial to us. ”
“Over the last decade, the number and size of free zones has increased significantly. There are currently over 7,000 free zones around the world, and over 100 million people in many countries and regions are in free zones. “This demonstrates the importance of this sector and its contribution to the growth of the global economy, especially in the post-pandemic period,” he added.
Dr. James Zan, Director of Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD, said: To revitalize existing zones and advance a new generation of special economic zones that contribute to sustainable development. ”
The first day of AICE 2022 began with an opening speech from Dr. James Zan. Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO and Co-Chair of GASEZ’s World Free Zone Organization in the United Arab Emirates, and Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica.
The first day also included three panel discussions focusing on SEZ policy recommendations and new issues in the SDG model zone and working together to facilitate investment in recovery. It also included three special sessions on business with Freeport in the United Kingdom and business with foreign trade zones and zone management systems in the United States.
