The World Free Zones Organization announced the agenda and list of speakers for the 11th annual international conference in 2025, hosted by China’s Hainan Province from October 10 to 12, 2025, at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, with the participation of over 1,500 senior policymakers, business leaders, investors, and free zone experts from around the world.

The conference carries the theme “Free Zones: Gateways to Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation Worldwide,” forming the largest and most prominent international gathering of its kind, providing a leading platform for governments, investors, and experts to discuss key strategic issues impacting the future of global trade and investment.

The conference will commence with an official opening ceremony featuring keynote speeches by Dr. Mohamed Al Zarouni, President of the World Free Zones Organization; Ms. Aiking Fang, Chairperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Investment; His Excellency Umberto De Pretto, Secretary-General of the International Road Transport Union; and Ms. Ri Viss Kildjard, Director of the Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity, and Just Transition Department at the International Labour Organization.

Over three days, the conference program includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, case studies, and leadership sessions covering six strategic themes: the economic and social contribution of free zones in supporting inclusive growth; enhancing partnership system resilience; transformations of free trade zones in China highlighting Hainan’s experience as a global model; reviewing global exchange prospects amid supply chain restructuring and current trade realities; the role of digitalization in boosting competitiveness through AI, IoT, blockchain technology, and advanced cybersecurity; alongside discussions on major investment trends, sustainability concepts, and the role of free zones in leading future sectors.

Dr. Mohamed Al Zarouni said, “Free zones today play an unprecedented role in supporting the global economy, evolving from limited trade centers to integrated systems leading industrial diversification efforts, creating millions of jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and integrating SMEs into global value chains.”

He added, “More than 3,500 free zones worldwide have established a vital presence by providing over 90 million direct jobs and contributing approximately 20% of international trade volume, becoming a strategic force shaping the future economy.

The international conference in Hainan represents a prominent forum to reaffirm the pivotal role of free zones in a world witnessing rapid technological transformations, changing supply chain realities, and increasing urgent climate challenges.”

The conference program includes key highlights such as an executive leadership program providing free zone operators and policymakers with practical strategies to enhance profitability, resilience, and competitiveness, aligned with sustainability goals.

It also features a high-level ministerial meeting with a select group of ministers and senior officials to discuss facilitating digital trade, enhancing supply chain resilience, and ensuring inclusive globalization benefits, concluding with a ministerial statement outlining practical strategies for the next phase.

The conference will also host the first international forum for developing comprehensive free trade zones in China, the BRICS meeting for special economic zones, and the launch of the Sustainable Zones Accreditation Program developed by the World Free Zones Organization in cooperation with the Green Beyond the Cloud Exchange according to ISO 37101 standards (related to sustainable development and improving city and community performance), establishing a global reference for sustainable industrial clusters, enabling free zones to attract green investments and ensure future readiness.

Alongside official sessions, the conference offers an expanded exhibition space, exclusive networking opportunities, and a dedicated program of cultural and social events aimed at fostering partnerships, exploring new investment horizons, and exchanging experiences and lessons learned from leading global practices, enriching participants’ knowledge on the role of free zones in supporting innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.