Page 278 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

9/29/24, 5:57 PM World FZO’s 10th Annual World Congress concludes in Dubai with 2000 Attendees from 136 Countries - Business - Economy and …
A Global Platform
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization, said: "The success of the 10th

edition of the organization's World Congress reaffirmed the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, who witnessed the founding

of the organization a decade ago. Today, it serves as a global platform that elevates the performance of free zones
and their strategic contribution to global economic growth, bringing together an integrated system that supports one-
third of global trade passing through these zones across various regions."

Al Zarooni added: "This year's edition not only marks a decade since the organization's founding but also looks
toward the future by shedding light on trends and developments. We aim to strengthen the role of free zones

worldwide in various sectors and industries while increasing the volume and smooth flow of trade and investment
opportunities. Our goal is to keep free zones at the heart of the comprehensive transformation toward the economy

of the future, anchored by the organization’s new corporate identity, which was launched during the congress. This
identity focuses on three key strategic pillars, which aim to achieve sustainable development: Impact, Influence, and
Trust."

The sessions, focused events and workshops focused on the future of the organization, the free economic zones
sector, and key industries over the next decade. The discussions emphasized the importance of actively contributing

to achieving inclusive growth and prosperity at the global economic level, while continuing to build and strengthen
trade relations and partnership networks between the economic zones of the member states. Additionally, there was

a focus on expanding activities to include modern economic sectors that align with the requirements of the age of
artificial intelligence, digital trade, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and advanced technologies.

The congress agenda featured plenary sessions on the future of logistics, energy, access to finance, manufacturing,
and the digital sector. Each session outlined the latest developments, challenges, and solutions for these sectors.
The ‘Future of Logistics’ session highlighted the UAE's use of automation and the Internet of Things to increase

efficiency across ports, airports, and roads, while discussions also focused on carbon reduction strategies, green
economy regulations, and the importance of public-private partnerships in adopting sustainable logistics

technologies.

The ‘Future of Access to Finance’ session explored the evolution of free zones and their role in regionalizing supply

chains and creating job opportunities. Participants stressed the importance of access to finance in driving foreign
direct investment projects into new areas, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Meanwhile, the ‘Future of Energy’
session discussed the strategic role of free zones in connecting global energy markets, highlighting the UAE’s

leadership in renewable energy and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in energy management to
enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Additionally, the session on the ‘Future of Manufacturing’ focused on the role of free zones in enhancing education,
workforce development, and economic growth. It emphasized the importance of addressing misconceptions about

free zones and the need to balance formal education with vocational training. The session on the digital sector

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