The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) announced the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding with the Panama government, which stipulates the hosting of the twelfth session of the annual international conference of the organization in the capital “Panama City” during the month of July 2026.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al -Zarouni, Head of the World Organization for Free Zones, and His Excellency Kholio Mulo, Minister of Trade and Industry in the government of the Republic of Panama, in the presence of a number of senior officials from both sides.
The announcement of this memorandum came on the sidelines of the official visit to the organization’s delegation (World FZO), headed by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al -Zarouni, to the capital of Panama, during which he met his happiness with His Excellency Jose Raul Mulino Quintero, President of the Republic of Panama, to discuss the prospects for international cooperation. On the sidelines of the visit, Dr. Mohamed Al -Zarouni and the accompanying delegation toured a group of vital sites in Panama, including the “Kolon Free Zone”, and the free “Banabark” area, in addition to the Panama Canal, which is one of the most important marine corridors in the world.
According to the memo, the two parties committed to enhancing cooperation to organize a distinguished session of the annual international conference of the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), a group of decision makers, free zone leaders and investors from more than 100 countries, and attracts major economic institutions from all over the world. This event is expected to consolidate the strategic position of Panama as a global center for commercial and logistical services, and to enhance its presence on the international investment map.
Commenting on this agreement, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al -Zarouni said: “The World Organization for Free Zones is committed to building strategic partnerships that allow the promotion of the vital role of free zones as essential elements to stimulate global growth. This is in line with our firm belief in the importance of creating dedicated platforms to encourage dialogue and international cooperation and keep pace with the prominent shifts witnessed by the global economy.” He added: “Cooperation between the World Organization for Free Zones and the Panama government is an important achievement in the context of our tireless efforts to open up to the Latin American markets and enhance cooperation with governments and economic institutions in this vital region.
For his part, His Excellency Julio Mulo said: “The hosting of the International Conference of the World Organization for Free Zones is a strategic step that sheds light on Panama’s position as a global investment gate, and the way is paved towards new opportunities for regional cooperation, technology and investment, and we are committed to providing all necessary ingredients to ensure the success of this basic event in cooperation with the organization.” He added: “We appreciate this strategic partnership with the World FZO Free Zone Organization, and we look to benefit from its extensive experiences in the field of free zones management and developing it on the international scale, enhancing the competitiveness of the business environment in Panama and supports our economy’s openness to global markets.”
This announcement coincides with the ongoing preparations for organizing the eleventh session of the annual international conference of the World Free Zones Organization, which will be held in the Chinese province of Heinan during the period from October 10 to 12, 2025, in cooperation with the Heinan International Economic Development Office. The hosting of the conference in both China and Panama, respectively, is evidence of the growing momentum acquired by the World Free Zones Organization on the international scene.
The annual conference of the World Free Zones Organization is the most prominent global forum for free zone leaders, government officials, investors and trade experts. The conference includes more than 1500 delegates from more than 100 countries, and annually brings together a selected elite of decision makers, and high -level representatives from the sectors of industry, trade and investment around the world.
