(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group and Chairman of Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA), on Monday visited the first conference and exhibition of the World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO), the multi-lateral not-for-profit, global association for free zones.
At the opening of the conference, His Highness was briefed on the event in the presence of a distinguished gathering of policymakers, academics, economists and entrepreneurs. The 2015 edition of the conference focuses on the theme, "Towards a New Global Trade Order".
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied during the visit by Mohammed Al Zarooni, World FZO Chairman and Director General at DAFZA, board members of the World FZO and delegations participating in the event. In his meeting with the Board members, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed praised their strategic role in the development of national and international economies and the role of free zones in enhancing international trade. The Board of Directors presented to His Highness the vision and mission of the Organisation, as well as strategic objectives and plans.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed stated that the first annual conference represents a significant step in the development of the World Free Zones Organisation in relation to the export of free zones expertise and enhancing their trade and investment impact in the global economy. In addition, he said with continued government support, Dubai has succeeded in establishing itself as an impressive international economic force and an influential pioneer in the implementation of the free zone model and a major destination for foreign investment and international trade.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed added, "The event demonstrates the commitment and vision of the World Free Zones Organisation, aimed at strengthening the role of free zones in advancing the growth of the global economy. Free zones contribute to the opening of new investment prospects to diversify the sources of domestic income, increase job opportunities for future generations, and therefore contribute effectively to development of the economies."
Commenting on the occasion, World FZO Chairman Mohammed Al Zarooni said, "Free Zone Outlook International gathers some of the world's leading economic and trade experts to discuss the most pressing issues facing free zones and global free trade flow today. High profile trade and free zone experts will share knowledge and expertise as to how the free zone model is being used around the world to achieve specific national, regional and international economic and business objectives."
He added: "As the global association for free zones, we have a strategic role to play in facilitating the exchange of best practice and present platforms such as the Annual Conference to explore how we can augment and further develop the role of free zones. This is to enhance international trade, and ensure countries are optimised for international investment, without changing the rules for entire nations."
The 1st Annual international conference and exhibition takes place between May 11 and 13, 2015, provides a platform that enables international delegates to discuss best practices and the latest emerging trends to achieving sustainable growth in the macroeconomic environment.
The conference also sees the publication of the first World FZO's manifesto, which outlines the Organisation's strategic vision and mission that represent the foundations of the organisation.
The objectives of the organisation primarily focuses on the representation of the interests of free zones within the international community and to provide a global platform for the exchange of knowledge. In addition, it promotes focused research and insights to raise awareness about the advantages of free zones to attract foreign direct investment, boost trade, create jobs to support global economic prosperity.
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