Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), was honored to participate in the 2025 RCEP Media and Think Tank Forum, held in Hainan, China from May 24–25. The event was organized by the China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD) and led by Professor Chi Fulin, President of the Institute.

During the High-Level Dialogue: RCEP in a Changing World, Dr. Samir emphasized that strong regional cooperation sends a powerful global signal—that even amid uncertainty, multilateralism and shared progress remain achievable.

He highlighted RCEP's potential to deepen regional integration, strengthen supply chain resilience, and foster inclusive economic growth. Dr. Samir also stressed the need for institutional coordination, capacity building, and public-private collaboration to realize RCEP’s full potential.

He further noted that Free Zones, Free Ports, and Special Economic Zones must be part of this effort—not only for their expertise in cross-border trade but also for their agility and capacity to pilot new trade policies and technologies. Free Zones can play a key role in implementing RCEP through streamlined customs, pro-investment environments, and support for SMEs and digital commerce.

World FZO and CIRD are developing the Global Free Zones Research Institute, which will be officially launched during our 11th World Congress in Haikou, Hainan (October 10–12, 2025).