WTCA Participates in High-Level Panel on WTC Ecosystem and Free Zones as Catalysts for Global Trade and Investment

Hainan, China (October 14, 2025) — World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) participated in a high-profile panel discussion titled “WTC Ecosystem and Free Zones: Catalysts for Global Trade and Investment,” during the 11^th annual World FZO World Congress hosted by the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) from October 10-12, 2025 in Hainan, Mainland China.

The event convened key international stakeholders to explore how free zones drive economic growth, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. Founded in 2014 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the World FZO has become a leading platform for knowledge-sharing and advocacy within the global free zone sector.

The discussion offered valuable insights into how World Trade Center (WTC) businesses and free zones can collaborate to become powerful engines of foreign direct investment (FDI) and global supply chain integration. Drawing from diverse case studies, the session examined how strategic partnerships between WTC businesses and free zones can amplify international visibility, streamline market access, and generate greater value for tenants and investors.

One of the session’s key highlights was the presentation of the “Free Zones Go Global” initiative — a strategic collaboration between WTCA and Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants.

Mr. Scott Wang, WTCA Vice President, Asia Pacific, elaborated: “The 'Free Zones Go Global' program includes the validation and redesign of a free zone’s marketing plan, considering new opportunities in the changing global environment. This includes identifying strategic sectors and products, supported by more than 300 WTC businesses in nearly 100 countries/territories.”

Panelists emphasized how this evolving landscape positions free zones as launchpads for innovation, investment, and regional integration.

Ms. Xiaolan Zhu, Chief Representative of WTC Haikou, highlighted Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) as an example of WTC–Free Zone synergy: “By aligning WTC Haikou with Hainan FTP’s preferential policies, we created a one-stop service for those seeking to access China, especially through Hainan.”

Another central theme was the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Dr. Mingxing Li , Founding Chairman of WTC Haikou and WTCA Board Member, explained: “SMEs often lack resources to access global markets. With increasing trade barriers, more Chinese SMEs are seeking to internationalize. Through WTC–Free Zone partnerships, we’re helping them reach markets such as Southwest Asia, Mexico, and the Middle East.”

Mr. Ahmed Tibaoui, General Manager and CEO of WTC Algiers and WTCA Board Member, added that such partnerships “unlock new markets while creating integrated ecosystems of growth, trade, and innovation that benefit both tenants and host economies.”

Additionally, the discussion explored how sustainability, digital platforms, and innovation hubs can be incorporated into free zone frameworks — positioning them not only as trade facilitators, but also as forward-looking accelerators of the post-pandemic global economy. The panel was moderated by Mr. Andrés Ibarra, COO of Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants.

A major milestone of the event was the official signing ceremony inaugurating the Free Zone Research Center, a joint initiative between the China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD) and the World FZO. This collaboration underscores the vital role of free zones as indispensable catalysts for global trade — through which nearly 40% of the world’s commerce now flows.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)

Chanelle Dimalanta

Phone: +1 212 432 2644

Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org

Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants

Laura Carolina Acosta Rodriguez 

Phone: (+57) 312 495 0600

Email: lacosta@araujoibarra.com

About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries and territories. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its members, the goal of WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn more, visit  http://www.wtca.org/ .

About Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants

Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants is the leading Colombian firm in investment and international trade advisory, with over 50 years of experience supporting governments and companies across Latin America and beyond. The firm specializes in the design and implementation of investment attraction strategies, Free Trade Zones, internationalization processes, and competitiveness policies that drive sustainable development.

Free Zones Go Global, a joint initiative with World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), promotes knowledge exchange, innovation, and best practices in Free Zone models worldwide — strengthening collaboration and integration among business ecosystems across regions to foster global investment attraction. To learn more, visit https://araujoibarra.com/ .