Jamaica to host first Caribbean World Free Zones Conference and Exhibition

• Published date: 20 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairperson of the World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO), met Edmund Bartlett, Tourism Minister of Jamaica, to discuss preparations for the eighth Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) 2022, scheduled to be held in Jamaica from 13th to 17th June, 2022.

The first such event in the Caribbean Island nation - which will highlight the role of free zones in facilitating world trade, promoting resilience, sustainability, and prosperity of eCommerce - will witness the presence of international organisations from 100 countries, including UNCTAD, OECD, UNIDO, IRU and IDB.

Al Zarooni said, "The eighth AICE 2022, to be held in Jamaica, will discuss and highlight the role of global leaders in keeping pace with the latest developments and global trends - affecting business, investment, trade, and policymaking. This exercise is being done to harmonise the rapid changes in the world, their repercussions on global trade chains and the essential role of free zones in development and diversification ways to attract and sustain the movement of foreign direct investment and its sustainability through the free zones.'' ''The five-day conference will serve as an interactive platform to discuss the future of international free zones and setting the direction of the industry in Jamaica. It will strengthen the role of free zones in driving and facilitating global trade. Moreover, the Caribbean is an important region for the World FZO, with the potential for rapid growth. This international event, we believe, is in line with the World FZO's vision of free zones being recognised worldwide as a tool for development, economic prosperity, and socioeconomic sustainability," he added.

For his part, Edmund Bartlett added, "Staging the AICE 2022...