The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) is the leading international organization representing free and special economic zones around the world. Each year, the World FZO’s World Congress brings together ministers, policymakers, free zone executives, and investors to discuss the strategic challenges shaping the sector.
The 12th edition will take place in Panama City from May 12 to 14, 2026, with the theme “Free Zones in the New Global Operating Model: Challenges and Opportunities.” A Free Zones Go Global (FZGG) delegation will be present throughout the congress, and we look forward to connecting with you in person.
Why this Congress matters
With its 18 active free zones and mature ecosystem based on public-private collaboration, Panama offers a real-world example of what integrated, globally connected zones can achieve. The Congress program reflects the current challenges facing the sector: knowledge and innovation economies, digital and AI-driven manufacturing, green industrial transitions,and regional value chain reconfiguration.
These themes are decisions that zone operators and investment authorities are currently navigating. The Congress provides an opportunity to explore these issues with global experts, peers, and decision-makers from around the world.
Free Zones Go Global On The Agenda
Our team will participate in three sessions within the official Congress program:
May 12
Latin America Minister Roundtable
This roundtable will examine the challenges that free zones in Latin America face, including innovation, digitalization, nearshoring, foreign investment competitiveness, sustainability, energy efficiency, and the role of public-private partnerships in long-term regulatory policy.
Moderated by Martín Gustavo Ibarra, Leader of Free Zones Go Global and CEO of Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants.
May 14
Anchoring Tourism and Culture in the Knowledge Economy
This panel will explore how free zones can develop as hubs for tourism, culture, and knowledge-based services. Topics will include regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, and partnership models that attract talent and nurture innovation.
Moderated by Juliana Villegas Restrepo, Director of International Promotion and Business Development, Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants.
May 14 · Signature Workshop
Unlocking Value in Agro-industries: Sustainable Resource-Based Free Zones
This panel will analyze how free zones can promote sustainable growth in agriculture, mining, fisheries, and renewable energy by establishing value-added supply chains and export-oriented clusters and by integrating green technologies in collaboration with government partners.
Moderated by Martín Gustavo Ibarra, Leader of Free Zones Go Global and CEO of Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants.
The common thread across the three sessions is the question at the heart of the Free Zones Go Global model: How can free zones expand their value proposition, attract new industries, and establish the strategic positioning required for global investment?
If you will be attending the 12th World FZO World Congress, we would like to meet you. Our team is available for focused conversations on how the Free Zones Go Global model can support your zone’s international positioning and FDI attraction strategy. We recommend scheduling in advance:
Andrés Ibarra
Vice President, Free Zones Go Global | COO, Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants
Andrés is leading the growth and internationalization of the FZGG Alliance by building strategic connections between World Trade Centers, free zones, and special economic zones across worldwide. At the Congress, he will be available for 1:1 conversations with free zone leaders and investment authorities interested in exploring the Free Zones Go Global model.
Schedule your session before May 12 to secure a spot. You can also reach us at freezonesgoglobal@araujoibarra.com.
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Free Zones Go Global is a foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction model for free zones, led by the World Trade Centers Association and Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants. With a global network of 300+ World Trade Centers, the model combines international reach with over 55 years of expertise in free zone strategy, regulation, and development, strengthening each zone’s global positioning and investor appeal.
