The World Free Zones Organization (WFZO) brought special economic zones into discussions on global investment, resilience and sustainable growth at AIM Congress 2026, participating in five high-level sessions at Dubai World Trade Center.

WFZO CEO Dr. Matthew Stephenson championed economic zones as the world's most effective engines for investment, growth, and economic transformation.

Led by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), a delegation from the WFZO visited Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Philippines to build bridges between the global zone ecosystem and what is taking place in these three dynamic Southeast Asian economies. Exciting things are happening in all three countries in terms of new zones, new zone models, and zone-driven economic growth. In Thailand, zones are entering a new phase of specialization, with the Board of Investment reporting a record amount in investment applications in the first half of 2026. In Viet Nam, the government is piloting its first Free Trade Zones in Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City, marking a structural shift toward multi-functional, internationally competitive zones. And in the Philippines, home to more than 430 operating economic zones, organizations expressed strong interest in hosting a future WFZO World Congress in the country. In total, across 22 meeting the delegation engaged with 43 organizations, of which 27 were zones or zone associations.

Developed with Ankura, Knowledge Partner to the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), this report distils the key insights, challenges, and opportunities emerging from the WFZO World Congress 2026, held in Panama in May 2026. The Congress brought together more than 2,000 policymakers, investors, free zone leaders, developers, and business executives from over 70 countries to exchange perspectives, explore emerging trends, and shape the future of free and special economic zones worldwide.

WFZO CEO Dr. Matthew Stephenson championed economic zones as the world's most effective engines for investment, growth, and economic transformation.

The OneZone Platform is now live and ready to help members connect with the global zone community, access resources, discover opportunities, and engage with peers worldwide. Members are encouraged to log in, update their profiles, and explore the platform’s range of knowledge, learning, and networking tools. Members who have not received their login details are invited to contact the WFZO team for assistance. Organizations that are not yet members can also discover how WFZO membership provides access to a trusted international network and exclusive resources through OneZone.

WFZO launched the One Zone Platform at the 12th World Congress in Panama, enhancing digital connectivity, member engagement and collaboration.

Congress kicks off with a high-level participation led by the President of the Republic of Panama.

As the 11th WFZO Annual International Conference concluded in Hainan, our shared mission to shape the next generation of global free zones entered a new phase.