The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Participates in the 11th World Free Zones Congress in Hainan, China

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) participated in the 11th World Free Zones Organization Global Congress, held under the theme “Regions: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation.” The event took place from 10 to 12 October 2025 in Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China.

The Omani delegation was led by H.E. Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority, accompanied by senior officials from the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and the Sohar Free Zone.

The congress brought together representatives from over 90 countries to explore the future of economic and free zones and their role in advancing global trade and sustainable development. Discussions addressed the challenges posed by shifting trade policies, climate change, and rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and renewable energy technologies.

During the Strategic Ministerial Meeting, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Ali Al Sunaidy delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and global economic integration among free zones. He highlighted the role of modern technologies and renewable energy in accelerating the growth of clean industries, strengthening supply chains, and facilitating the movement of factories and production inputs between industrial zones and cities.

His Excellency also presented Oman’s experience in developing special economic and free zones, noting the significant growth in renewable energy, green industries, and logistics. He underscored the strategic integration between ports and economic zones as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development, pointing to the total investment volume of USD 54 billion by the end of 2024, distributed across 15 economic and free zones and industrial cities.

In addition, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Al Sunaidy participated in the main panel discussion titled “Pathways to Prosperity: Free Zones and the Future of Trade,” which addressed global supply chain transformations and the role of free zones in promoting economic openness and regional integration. The congress also featured sessions on green transition strategies and the implementation of carbon neutrality standards.

On the sidelines of the event, the Omani delegation held bilateral meetings with representatives of economic and free zones from various countries to exchange expertise and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation and integration. The delegation also met with companies interested in expanding their investments in medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as industries linked to green energy clusters - sectors where Oman’s zones offer competitive incentives and investor-friendly advantages.

The participation program included field visits to the Hainan Provincial Office for International Economic Development and the Guangdong Free Zone, providing insights into the province’s economic zone model and its upcoming transformation into a fully designated free zone by 18 December.

The congress also marked the launch of the Free Zones Executive Leadership Program, which focused on innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability, alongside the restructuring of trade through digital solutions and smart zone management practices.

OPAZ’s participation in this global event follows its recent accession to the World Free Zones Organization, reaffirming the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to strengthening its international presence in economic and investment forums. It also reflects Oman’s dedication to exchanging expertise with leading global institutions in the development of sustainable and competitive free zones - contributing to the attraction of high-quality investments and the diversification of the national economy.