Page 305 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

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 and workshops focused on the future of the organisation, 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 explored the
future of artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data privacy,
highlighting the role of free zones in fostering innovation, digitization, and boosting foreign
direct investment flows.
The congress witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/b5d5dc7-world-fzo%E2%80%99s-10th-annual-world-
congress-concludes