The 10th World Free Zone Congress has commenced in Dubai, highlighting five strategic sectors: the future of energy, access to finance, manufacturing, logistics, and digital innovation.
The congress aims to explore the evolving landscape of global trade and investment, emphasizing the pivotal role economic zones play in driving prosperity and fostering innovation.
Delegates from member countries, along with investors, exhibitors, and policymakers, are participating in this significant event.
The Deputy Trade Minister in Charge of Industries, Michael Okyere Baafi explained Ghana's approach to leveraging the congress' new focus. "Free zones have come to stay and have transformed into a sector that brings hope to the world," he stated. "As Ghanaians, we must capitalize on these opportunities to attract foreign direct investment, enhance access to finance, and embrace digitalization." Michael Okyere Baafi He further emphasized the need to attract quality investments that will genuinely benefit the economy, noting that previous investments often did not yield significant returns. "Our mission here is to secure meaningful investments aligned with the new direction of global free zones." The congress also held discussion to address the challenges of balancing economic growth and inflation, particularly for developed nations, and higher risks emerging economies face due to limited policy flexibility, especially post COVID-19.