Page 309 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

9/29/24, 11:57 AM World FZO’s 10th Annual World Congress concludes in Dubai with 2000 attendees from 136 countries
In his speech during the Ministerial Meeting, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of
State for Foreign Trade, said: ‘We are at the cusp of a new global trade paradigm, marked by both
challenges and opportunities as global supply chains undergo transformation alongside the rapid
digitalization of trade. Technology, meanwhile, is transcending boundaries and reshaping global trade,

with artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain improving the resilience of supply chains. Amid these
shifts, technology emerges as a transformative force, capable of transcending regional boundaries and
revolutionizing global trade.’

His Excellency added: ‘The UAE is strategically positioned as a global trade leader, adopting a neutral

stance that balances trade and diplomacy while strengthening its global partnerships through
comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs).’

Participants in the Ministerial Meeting affirmed the emergence of a new model for global trade driven by
the transformation of global supply chains and the digitization of commerce. They noted that global
conflicts, crises, trade disruptions, and protectionist trade policies are imposing new challenges on trade

flows and economic growth internationally. However, they also highlighted that rapid technological
advancements and global sustainable development efforts are creating new opportunities for countries
and industries.

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

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