On the morning of October 11, a press conference for the 11th World FZO World Congress was held at Haikou International Convention and Exhibition Center. Professor Chi Fulin, President of China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD), and Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), jointly announced the establishment of the Global Free Zones Research Institute.

Professor Chi Fulin delivered a speech titled “Born of the Times, Acting with the Trend, and Advancing Together.” He emphasized that regional economic integration is now replacing traditional economic globalization as a major global trend. China is steadfastly advancing high-level opening-up and promoting the process of free trade, playing an increasingly important role in global openness. Professor Chi pointed out that today, the role and influence of free trade ports (zones) in promoting global free trade are not diminishing but significantly strengthening. Against this backdrop, it is highly meaningful that the World Free Zones Organization has brought its Annual Congress to Asia, to China, and to Hainan, and has decided to establish the Global Free Zones Research Institute in Hainan. This will play an important role in enhancing exchanges and cooperation between the Hainan Free Trade Port and free zones around the world. CIRD will work hand in hand with the World FZO, using the Global Free Zones Research Institute as a platform to actively build a high-quality cooperation and exchange mechanism for free trade ports (zones) and to deliver tangible results as soon as possible.

Chairman Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni stated that the establishment of the Global Free Zones Research Institute marks a milestone moment. By building an international research and innovation platform, we will support free zones in driving sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity on a global scale, as well as promote knowledge advancement and international cooperation. In addition, Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni expressed gratitude to CIRD for the support it has provided to the World FZO and the convening of the Congress.

Ms. Blanca Sorigué Borrell, Vice-Chairwoman, Board of Directors of the World FZO, Managing Director of the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, Spain; Mr. Martín Gustavo Ibarra Pardo, Advisor to the World FZO Board, Founder President of the Association of Free Zones of the Americas (AZFA); Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World FZO; Mr. Yin Zhongyi, Advisor to the President of CIRD; Ms. Yang Rui, Executive President of CIRD; Ms. Chen Wei, Vice President of CIRD; as well as Chinese and foreign representatives attending the Congress on site witnessed the ceremony.