KINGSTON, JAMACA, 14th June, 2022 (WAM) — The World Organization for Free Zones, World FZOs, announced the Global Alliance for Special Economic Zones (GASEZ) Conference during its 8th Annual International Conference, AICE, in Montego Bay. Of. , St. James, Jamaica until June 17.
The event is attended by world-class speakers, high-level policy makers, academics, multilateral organizations and global business leaders from over 100 countries.
The first annual GASEZ was launched in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) under the theme “The Region, Your Partner for Resilience, Sustainability and Prosperity”.
The official launch took place at a signing ceremony at AICE, attended by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Michael Holness; President, World FZO, Dr. Mohamed Al Zarooni; and other founding members of GASEZ. Alliance members include UNCTAD; World Free Zone Organization (WFZO); African Economic Zone Organization (AEZO); Association of Free Zones of America (AFZA); International Association of Science Parks (IASP); National Association of Free Zones (NAFTZ); Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and World Federation of Free and Special Economic Zones (FEMOZA).
The alliance aims to address the most important and emerging issues related to Special Economic Zones and highlight the role of partnership in enabling the exchange of experiences in the post-pandemic phase.
The alliance seeks to develop global partnerships to facilitate cross-border and cross-sector cooperation in trade, investment and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It also helps promote policies to develop frameworks for creating special economic zones at the local, regional and global levels.
GASEZ helps organizations exchange experiences and best practices between leading experts from the World Investment Forum and others. It is also a platform to launch special economic zone development programs and create model free zones for the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Mohamed Al Zarouni said, “The World Organization for Free Zones reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of free zones around the world. Today we participated in the launch of the Global Coalition for Special Economic Zones. This partnership is financially Collaboration between institutions, special economic zone developers, governments and investment promotion agencies strengthens the platform we offer to shape the future.
These initiatives aim to develop and create opportunities for regional and global partnerships, which are essential for the sustainable development of open areas.
“Over the past decade, we have seen a significant increase in the number and size of free zones. Today, there are more than 7,000 free zones around the world. We have more than 100 million people working in free zones in many countries and territories. This reflects the importance of this sector and its contribution to the growth of the global economy, especially in the post-pandemic period,” he said.
Dr. James Zhan, Director of UNCTAD’s Investment and Enterprise Division, said: “Global threats require strong and innovative partnerships. This alliance allows us to bring together the resources and expertise of the eight founding members of GASEZ towards a goal. which aims to revitalize existing sectors and lead to a new generation of special economic zones that contribute to sustainable development”.
The first day of AICE 2022 began with the inaugural speeches by Dr. James Zahn; Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World Free Zone Organization and Co-Chair of GASEZ, UAE, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister, Jamaica, Dr. Horace Chang, among others.
The first day also included three panel discussions highlighting emerging issues for SEZ policy support, SDG model areas and cooperation to facilitate investment for recovery. It also included three special sessions on Doing Business with UK Freeports, US Foreign Trade Zones and Doing Business with the Zone Management System.
Translated by: Mervat Mahmud.
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