12^th World FZO World Congress

Mr. Wong has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. He has served as General Manager in several Free Trade Zones, including Zona Franca Metropolitana, Global Park, Coyol Free Zone, and currently Evolution Free Zone, in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer of CODE Development Group.

In the public sector, he has held responsibilities within the Costa Rican Free Trade Zone Association and has been involved with CINDE — the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency — serving, among other roles, as Director of the Investment Program and Regional Director for the Asia-Pacific region, based in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Additionally, he has worked as a consultant for the World Bank and as a Professor and Researcher at the Institute of Economic Sciences at the University of Costa Rica.

Regarding his academic background, Mr. Wong holds an MBA in Management from InterAmerican University of Costa Rica (Heredia, Costa Rica), as well as postgraduate studies in International Marketing from Georgetown University. He graduated from the School of Economics at the University of Costa Rica.

He has served on the Boards of Directors of private sector organizations such as AZOFRAS, CPC, Cadexco, UCCAEP, and AZFA.

Esther Corral is the Head for Latin America and the Caribbean at the United Nations Global Compact. She brings over 15 years of experience within the United Nations system, serving in diverse roles across sustainable development and private sector engagement.

Prior to her appointment in June 2023, Esther served as Deputy Representative a.i. at UN Women Brazil (2022–2023). She had previously held the role of Regional Coordinator at the same office (2020–2021) for the multi-country programme “Win-Win: Gender Equality Means Good Business,” an initiative focused on strengthening private sector commitment to gender equality and expanding opportunities for women-led businesses across Latin America.

Earlier, she served as Sustainable Development Goals Adviser at UNEP Brazil (2016–2020) and as Project Coordinator at UN Women Mexico (2015–2016). From 2010 to 2015, Esther held senior roles within the UN Resident Coordinator’s Offices in Guatemala and Mexico, managing joint UN programmes, leading private sector engagement, and overseeing national development reporting.

Before joining the United Nations, Esther worked with an environmental company in France and at the Institute for Water Research at Rhodes University in South Africa. She has also served as a Private Sector Development Specialist at a Spanish company, managing international trade programmes in the Caribbean and MENA regions, and worked as an external evaluator for various international NGOs.

Esther holds a combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain), as well as postgraduate studies in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid. She is fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French.

Dr. James Zhan is the Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference, WAIPA (Geneva), and concurrently, serves as Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization. He is also a senior Fellow associated with the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), and a member of the fDi Editorial Advisory Board of the Financial Times. 

Dr. Zhan is also the Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative; and a founding co-Chair of the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones (GASEZ). Dr. Zhan also holds advisory positions at leading academic institutions, including Oxford University, Columbia University, Cornell University, and Fribourg University. Previously, he served as academic advisor to centres at Cambridge University and Geneva University. 

Prior to this, Dr. Zhan served for 15 years (2008 to 2023) as Senior Director of Investment and Enterprise at the United Nations Trade and Development Agency (UNCTAD), as well as Chief Editor of the UN World Investment Report and Transnational Corporation journal. From 2023 to 2024, he was also the Chief Advisor to the Secretary-General of UNCTAD. 

During his tenure at the United Nations, Dr. Zhan provided strategic policy advice to heads of state, ministers, and parliaments across more than 100 developing and developed countries. He led the formulation of the Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development (IPFSD), a new generation of investment strategies used by over 150 countries and major regional groupings. Additionally, he founded the World Investment Forum in 2008, leading it to become a premier global platform for investment stakeholders. 

His extensive contributions in advisory roles include serving as a member of the Advisory Council of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). He was also a member of the Global Agenda Councils on Advanced Manufacturing and for Trade & Investment the World Economic Forum. 

Dr. Zhan has published over 150 journal articles and book chapters on investment, trade, technology, sustainable finance, and industrial strategies. He also led the preparation of more than 300 publications and reports for the United Nations (with acknowledgements). His expertise is frequently featured in leading global business and economic media, including The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and Financial Times.

Juan Opertti, is a Mechanical Industrial Engineer from Universidad de la República (UDELAR) and holds an MBA from Universidad Católica del Uruguay (UCUDAL). He completed executive training in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Port Operations in Antwerp, Belgium.

In the professional and institutional sphere, Juan serves as a Board Member of INALOG (National Institute of Logistics of Uruguay). He was a Board Member of the World Free Zones Organization (2019–2022) and currently serves as Board Member and Vice President of the Association of Free Zones of the Americas (2022–2026). Academically, he is a Full Professor of Operations and Logistics at Universidad ORT Uruguay. He was the promoter and Adjunct Professor of the Logistics Engineering program at UTEC (2016–2024). He has completed all modules of the MIT MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management (2019–2022).

Juan is South America Manager at Katoen Natie. He is also a Board Member of the 3PL free zone company Costa Oriental and Managing Director of the consulting firms Hemisiton and Operal Consultores.

Kelli-Dawn Hamilton is an accomplished executive with deep expertise in policy development, international trade, public relations, and investment facilitation. Since November 2023, she has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), where she leads national efforts to promote industrial development, drive inward investment, and advance Jamaica’s positioning as a competitive global logistics and services hub. 

With almost two decades of leadership in economic development and government strategy, Kelli-Dawn brings a track record of success in mobilizing investments, executing strategic communications, and delivering results across complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives. 

Prior to her appointment as CEO, she served as Director of Investor Relations and Communications at the JSEZA, where she was instrumental in crafting investor-facing strategies and facilitating major SEZ developments. Before joining JSEZA, she held several strategic roles at the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), contributing to national programmes in investment promotion, business development, research, and capacity building—particularly within the services sector. 

A certified Services Go Global trainer, Kelli-Dawn has worked extensively to empower Caribbean entrepreneurs and service providers to scale their businesses and access export markets. Her work in project management has supported the design and rollout of key national initiatives across various sectors, from agriculture to business process outsourcing. 

Kelli-Dawn is also actively engaged in public governance and policy formulation, currently serving on the Board of Directors of: 

• The Spectrum Management Authority, which regulates and oversees the use of Jamaica’s radio frequency spectrum; 
• The Jamaica International Financial Services Authority (JIFSA); and 
• The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA). 

She holds a Master of Science in Comparative Politics and Political Theory and a Bachelor of Science in International Relations (with a minor in Political Science), both from the University of the West Indies, Mona. 

With her unique blend of policy acumen, strategic foresight, and operational leadership, Kelli-Dawn continues to drive Jamaica’s economic transformation while advocating for inclusive and sustainable development at home and across the region.

Phoenix Group is one of the largest Business conglomerate based out of Hyderabad. It is one of the largest infrastructure developers. As Group Director, he played a very important role in the development of Phoenix Group from the day of its incorporation in the year 2002. He was instrumental in establishing Phoenix as one of the biggest SEZ IT/ITES developers in India. Was also instrumental in receiving the Best Business model Award for Phoenix Group from Government of India. Presently, Phoenix has around seven SEZs. He has done his graduation in Science and Post- Graduation in Management from Osmania University.

Courtney Fingar is a leading expert on foreign direct investment (FDI) and a business editor with more than 20 years of experience. 

She has covered business stories in all major regions of the world and has been on assignment to more than 80 countries, interviewing government and business leaders. She has appeared on television and radio in dozens of countries as a commentator and has twice been called to give evidence to the UK Parliament about inward investment. 

Among her ongoing media work, she writes a column for Forbes.com on FDI and is a Contributing Editor for Real Asset Media. 

An in-demand moderator, master of ceremonies and keynote speaker, Ms Fingar has participated in hundreds of business events globally and advises event organisers on content and strategy. 

In 2023, she set up Fingar Direct Investment, a boutique consultancy focusing on investment promotion and attraction. She also serves as Senior Advisor for the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies as well as for Quadrian, and is a Member of the Advisory Board of the Global Chamber in London and the Advisory Council of Halkin Investments. 

She previously served as the Editor-in-Chief of Investment Monitor, a digital publication focused on cross-border investment, and before that spent 15 years with the Financial Times where she ran the group’s specialist FDI publication. 

Ms Fingar has a BA in journalism from the University of Alabama in the United States and an MSc in International and European Politics from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Mr. Contreras is a Civil Engineer who graduated from Tulane University in 1985. Since graduation he has been involved in the construction sector while working for the Ministry of Public Works, Central Romana Corporation and Latin American Free Zone Investments Dominicana (PIISA Free Zone Industrial Park).

Mr. Contreras participated in several large-scale construction activities that notably improved the highway infrastructure of the Dominican Republic, just to mention the Duarte highway expansion (the island’s top roadway) from 1986 to 1987.

At his next post with Central Romana Corporation, Mr. Contreras was the Construction Materials Division General Manager from 1992 to 1996 overseeing supply for multiple projects in housing and industrial construction.

During his years at the PIISA Free Zone Industrial Park, he has held the position of Engineering Manager from 1988 to 1992, General Manager from 1996 to 2010 and Executive Vice-President (EVP) since 2011 to present date, overseeing all park operations as well as new business development for this corporate group.

In representation of PIISA, Mr. Contreras has been an active member of the Dominican Free Zone Association (ADOZONA). His exceptional performance as EVP of one of the fastest growing free zone parks in the Dominican Republic paved his way to become President of ADOZONA in 2015 thru 2017. During his tenure he presided over activities focused on international promotion of free zones. In addition to serving ADOZONA, Mr. Contreras has also served on the Board of Directors of the National Free Zone Council, The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), The DR Industry Association (AIRD), The Private Enterprise National Council (CONEP) and The World Free Zone Organization (WFZO) in the capacity of Vice Chairman.

Mr. Contreras has been recognized by his outstanding leadership and untiring efforts to the development of the free zones of the Dominican Republic.

Since October 2022, Peter Janech is the Investment Coordinator of the Innovation, Education and Investments Department at UN TOURISM, the Specialized Agency of the United Nations in tourism – in Madrid, Spain. Prior to assuming his current post, he was serving for more than two years as Deputy Director for Europe in the Regional Department for Europe, and acting as Programme Officer and Policy Adviser on International and EU Affairs in the same department for almost 10 years on a wide range of tourism related technical and political issues within the European Region, while he was responsible for the department’s engagement with the European Institutions especially.

Before arriving to the United Nations, Mr. Janech was acting as an Attaché in the Cabinet of the Hungarian Member of the European Court of Auditors in Luxembourg from July 2010 to March 2011. As a member of the cabinet Mr Janech provided advice and assistance in areas of regional policy, energy and transport.

Beforehand he spent six consecutive years (2004-2010) in Brussels working for the European Parliament and for the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association, where he got acquainted with an in-depth understanding of the complex nature of the European Institutions and its decision making processes and practices.

Throughout those years he worked as a Policy Adviser for a Member of the European Parliament on external relations and security issues of the European Union. He particularly focused and evaluated the international political situations in the European Neighbourhood, in the South Caucasus and in China.

As a Trade and Parliamentary Affairs Assistant at the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers he was supporting the Secretary-General with representation of the tyre and rubber industry towards the EU institutions on priority issues.

Henry is a leading global authority on foreign direct investment. He has worked with over 150 free zones and economic development organizations to attract FDI, with over $20 bn of investment successes. 

Henry has 25 years of experience leading investment attraction programs for international financial institutions (AfDB, IADB, IFC) and UN organizations as well as advising the WTO and WEF on investment facilitation. Prior to establishing Wavteq in 2010, Henry worked in the international investment teams in IBM, PwC, FT, and OCO Global. 

Henry has a First Class Degree in Economics & Politics, a Masters Degree with Distinction in International Political Economy, with his dissertation on Asian FDI, and a published PhD, with a Volkswagen Scholarship, on FDI in the semiconductor and automotive sectors.

Luisa Napolitano, General Manager of the Colón Free Zone — the most important free zone in the Americas and the second largest in the Western Hemisphere — is a businesswoman from Colón with more than two decades of experience in logistics management, international freight, marketing, and business development.

Her career has been closely linked to the promotion of strategic projects that strengthen the competitiveness of the Colón Free Zone, positioning it as a key hub for investment and global trade.

She has led the creation of integrated logistics products and services for both local and international investors, combining an innovative vision, executive experience, and a strong commitment to the sustainable development of Colón and Panama.

In addition to her business leadership, she is actively involved in social initiatives and charitable work in her home province of Colón.

Raimund Klein is a highly skilled individual with experience in manufacturing design and global supply digitisation across Europe and Asia.

He excels at identifying opportunities to improve, enhance and optimise processes through data analysis. His strong business acumen, solid education and progressive executive management experience enable him to build highly efficient teams in multinational organisations that work collaboratively to meet organisational goals efficiently.

Angelica is a Colombian lawyer specialized on Corporate Law from Universidad de Los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia) and LL.M from Cornell University (Ithaca, New York) and have education in corporate government from CESA University.

With more than 15 years of professional experience in International Trade, Customs, Foreign Exchange, and International Investments. Currently she is the Director of the Free Trade Zones Chamber at ANDI, previously she was partner at Peña Preciado Consultores S.A.S and had worked for firms such as Brigard & Urrutia Abogados and EY, advising local and foreign companies in corporate projects in international trade and customs planning, among others. 

Angelica is co-author of the Colombian Chapter of the Foreign Tax and Trade Briefs by LexisNexis and other publications on Trade and Customs in Colombia and also had been lecturer on the International Trade and Customs in Colombian universities and has participated in several local and international forums. 

She has been board member in international organizations such as the World Free Zones Organizations, the American Free Trade Zones Association and UNIDO eco-industrial parks project in Colombia.

Dr. Paul E. Kent is Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Ports & Logistics Practice at Monument Economics Group, where he advises governments, port authorities, free zone developers, multilateral institutions, and private operators on strategic planning, institutional reform, investment due diligence, and logistics system performance.

Over a 35-year career spanning more than 220 projects in 55 countries, Dr. Kent has worked at the intersection of ports, trade corridors, and industrial development. His expertise includes concession and privatization programs, corridor competitiveness diagnostics, master planning, regulatory frameworks, and performance-based reform. He has also served as an expert witness in international arbitration and regulatory proceedings involving port concessions and competition policy.

Dr. Kent co-authored the Regulatory Module of the World Bank’s Port Reform Toolkit’s first two editions and has served as a peer reviewer for both the Toolkit’s 2025 edition and the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index. His doctoral research on port competition monitoring continues to inform approaches to assessing market power and competitive risk in modern port systems.

He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and industry outlets on issues ranging from port competition regulation, port automation, and supply chain performance to sustainability-linked loans and freight logistics trends. He is also the author of the widely followed For the Beauty of Logistics series, which explores emerging themes in global trade and supply chains — including digital trade platforms, SME participation in international commerce, port automation, port concessions, and the evolving role of ports and free zones as integrated trade ecosystems.

Dr. Kent holds a Ph.D. in Maritime Economics, an M.S. in Urban Studies, an M.P.A. (Public Administration), and a B.A. in Political Science. He is currently completing his book, The Business of Sea Ports: A Guide for Practitioners, forthcoming in 2027.

Cesare Zingone is the President of Zeta Group, a multi-generational real estate development and investment firm operating across Central America and Europe. Under his leadership, the company has become a regional benchmark for world-class industrial free zones, logistics parks, and mixed-use communities that foster innovation, employment, and inclusive growth.

Since taking the helm in 2008, Cesare has led the development of over 1.5 million square meters of industrial and commercial space. Notable projects include Zeta Industrial Park in Cartago—Costa Rica’s first free zone and a strategic hub for the med-tech sector—Techno Park, a next-generation industrial campus, and Ciudad del Este, a 500-home mixed-use community featuring a lifestyle mall and Latin America's largest IMAX cinema.

Cesare holds a degree in Economics and Business from La Sapienza University of Rome and an MBA with Honors from IMD in Switzerland. He has also completed real estate programs at Harvard Business School and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He serves on the board of the Harvard Alumni Real Estate Board and is a former board member of the World Free Zones Organization in Dubai.

With over 25 years of cross-sector experience in real estate, capital markets, agribusiness, and infrastructure, Cesare is recognized for combining visionary leadership with operational excellence. His commitment to ESG, local economic impact, and international standards continues to guide Zeta Group’s long-term strategy. 

Through his stewardship, Zeta remains at the forefront of sustainable and resilient real estate in Latin America and beyond.

Paul Keely is the Chief Financial Officer of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA), overseeing financial strategy across Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity – three premium Free Zones that collectively contribute 14% of Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade. He serves on the board of Tradeling, the GCC’s leading B2B e-commerce platform, and on the board and investment committee of Oraseya Capital, DIEZA’s USD 135 million venture capital fund investing in early-stage technology companies.

A Chartered Accountant with a degree in Business Law, Paul has over 25 years of international experience spanning global firms such as KPMG and Glencore, and has held senior finance roles in Colombia, Switzerland, USA, the Middle East and Africa.  He holds an MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency and is completing an MA in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, bringing a distinctive combination of traditional financial rigour and emerging technology expertise to Free Zone governance and investment strategy.

Juliana is an economist with extensive experience in international trade, export management, and commercial relations. She specializes in export promotion, development of the manufacturing sector, and socioeconomic inclusion, and has supported governments and companies in processes of internationalization, export offer positioning, and regional cooperation.

Currently at Araújo Ibarra, she serves as Director of International Promotion and Business Development, where she leads strategies to boost Colombia’s presence in international markets, supports the strengthening of business capabilities, and builds key alliances to enhance export growth. Her work has been instrumental in initiatives focused on manufacturing, market intelligence, and regional integration strategies.

Bernard Gilchrist Bustamante is the General Manager of Zona Franca Parque Central, with over two decades of experience in strategic leadership across business organizations, trade associations, and regional economic development initiatives in Colombia. He holds a Law degree from Universidad Santo Tomás and has completed executive education programs in Senior Management at Universidad de los Andes, Public Governance at Universidad de Cartagena, and Commercial Management at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.

Between 2000 and 2003, he served as Executive Director of the Cartagena Chamber of Commerce, where he led key strategic transformation processes, including institutional strengthening, and the enhancement of logistical and technological capabilities. He also played an active role in regional planning initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and competitiveness in Cartagena and the Caribbean region.

Since 2003, he has been the General Manager of the Caribbean Logistics and Business Center, driving investment opportunities, business development, and the structuring of high-impact regional projects.

In 2009, he led the creation and development of Zona Franca Parque Central, overseeing its institutional design, business model structuring, and long-term strategic direction. Under his leadership, the free trade zone has become a key logistics and industrial hub, focused on competitiveness, investment attraction, and export-oriented operations.

His expertise lies in business facilitation, the development of logistics and industrial platforms, and the promotion of competitive business environments, contributing to the positioning of Cartagena and the Caribbean region as strategic nodes for international trade.

Industrial Engineer from the Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia; Specialist in Marketing from the ICESI University in Cali, Colombia and Executive MBA from Los Andes University in Bogota, Colombia. Currently, President of the ZFB Group for 26 years, and as such, responsible for the development and execution of the Strategic Plan of the organization. He has held management positions in leading companies in Colombia. He is also an active member in the of Board of Directors of National and international Associations and Organizations such as: World Free Zones Organization WFZO, National Asociation of Industrials of Colombia (ANDI), Chamber of Free Trade Zones ANDI, Chairman of the board of the American-Colombia Chamber of Commerce – AMCHAM Colombia and Honorary Presidente of the Iberoamerican Asociation of FTZ-AZFA.

Lead advisor in the development of Eco-industrial parks and industrial resource efficiency at UNIDO since 2016. He provides specialised advice on implementing projects in developing countries and economies in transition.

In his professional experience, he has served as president of UNIDO’s global network for the Efficiency of Industrial Resources and Cleaner Production, with coverage in 65 countries. He has also served as a consultant to various international organisations and governments, as coordinator of the Latin American Network for Cleaner Production, and as a university professor on thermodynamics. Mr Barahona is a mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in computational fluid dynamics and power generation from the University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology in the UK.

Lisandro Ganuza is a international strategist and executive specializing in Free Trade Zones (FTZs), industrial business development, and foreign trade. He currently serves as the Director of Institutional Relations at Zona Franca Santafesina / PTP Group in Argentina.

As a trusted expert in large-scale industrial public-private partnerships, Lisandro acts as a strategic advisor for multiple governments to drive regional development and foreign direct investment. His high-level portfolio includes advising the Province of Río Negro and private enterprises on Argentina's largest investment project for 2025, valued at USD 17 billion. Furthermore, he advises the Province of San Juan on the development of FTZs and Subzones designed to boost mining investments totaling USD 20 billion, and guides the "Jujuy Polo de Desarrollo" initiative, which encompasses the Perico and La Quiaca FTZs.

Globally recognized for his institutional leadership, Lisandro continues his strong commitment to the World Free Zones Organization as a member of its Policy and Governance Committee. Previously, he served on the World FZO Board of Directors from 2018 to 2023 and the Head of the Regional Office Latam South from 2017 to 2025. He frequently serves as an FTZ expert consultant for international bodies such as the OAS and UNODC.

A lawyer by the University of Buenos Aires, Lisandro holds an IDB-certified PM4R Master's degree in international cooperation projects, alongside extensive postgraduate training in corporate affairs and public policy. He formerly presided over the Bahía Blanca Coronel Rosales FTZ, where he spearheaded the creation of Argentina's first FTZ subzone.

Carla Fernández Corrales is the Senior Director of Executive Education & INCAE Online and is an Assistant Professor at INCAE Business School. She earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In addition, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and an M.S.C. in Computer Science with honors, both from the University of Costa Rica. She was awarded a Fulbright scholarship from the U.S. Department of State.

Dr. Fernández Corrales’ research focuses on the study of technology management and innovation using machine learning methods. Her teaching and consulting interests focus on the strategic use of information technologies, data science and agile methodologies.

As a consultant, lecturer and TEDx speaker, Professor Fernández Corrales stands out for her ability to communicate highly specialized knowledge about technology to non-technical audiences, establishing connections with the value proposition, strategy and risk analysis in organizations.

Passionate about innovation and the digital transformation of higher education, she has also served in various academic leadership positions, including Director of Educational Technologies (METICS) at the University of Costa Rica, Director of Learning Innovation at INCAE Executive Education and Academic Director of the MBA programs at INCAE Business School.

Ramiro Casó is a psychologist graduated from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello and holds an MBA (2017) and a Master in Business Analytics (2019) from INCAE Business School, both with High Honors. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, and a senior researcher at INCAE Business School.

He has worked in leading advertising agencies such as JWT, Publicis, BBDO and DRAFTFCB, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Comunicación Corporativa Ketchum (CCK). At INCAE Business School, he teaches courses in Machine Learning, Programming, Marketing Analytics, Communication and Digital Transformation. He has been a Dedicated Professor at the institution eight times.

Luciano Ciravegna is a full professor at INCAE Business School, where he teaches courses in the areas of Marketing and Strategy. He is also Director of the Steve Aronson Chair of Agribusiness and Sustainability at this business school.

His teaching experience includes courses for undergraduate, graduate, MBA and executive programs in international business, corporate strategy, competitive strategy, competitiveness and development, and business risk analysis at the following institutions: INCAE, The London School of Economics, Royal Holloway College, ESCP, Los Andes Business School and University of Hong Kong.

He has conducted research and consulting work in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, United Kingdom, Austria and Italy. He has also worked as a business risk analyst with a focus on Latin American markets.

His academic career and international experience began at the age of 16, when he was admitted to the United World College. He then obtained a degree in Economic History from the London School of Economics and published his undergraduate thesis in Italian as his first book.

After undergraduate studies, he became a Fellow of St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, where he graduated from a two-year research master’s program, the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) in Latin American Economics and Politics.

He earned his Ph.D. at the Institute of Development Studies at the London School of Economics, with the support of scholarships from INCAE, the Centro Studi D’Agliano, the London School of Economics and the Italian Social Science Council.

During his doctorate, Ciravegna worked as a consultant on competitiveness, cluster and political risk in Guatemala and Costa Rica for INCAE-CLACDS; in London for the political risk consultancy Executive Analysis; in Vienna for UNIDO; and in Italy for the Province of Turin.

He is the author of three books and his articles have been published in the top-ranked journals by Financial Times and ABS: Journal of International Business Studies, Strategic Management Journal, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Journal of Business Ethics, Global Strategy Journal and Journal of World Business.

Economist with graduate studies in International Economics and Political Economy at the University of Bern and ETH Zürich. A visiting professor at INCAE Business School, he teaches International Trade and Foreign Investment, International Political Economy, Geopolitics, and Macroeconomics, among other courses. A researcher at CLACDS for over 20 years, he served as its Director (2014–2018), positioning it as the region’s leading think tank on competitiveness, sustainable tourism, trade, and productive development policy.

Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE is a member and mission-focused non-profit association professional. He has nearly 30 years of association senior management and leadership experience, specializing in developing and executing strategy.

In his current role as President of the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ) in the USA, Jeff provides leadership, vision and direction for the organization and develops organizational strategy. He manages NAFTZ’s programs and operations, and oversees the development, implementation and evaluation of programs and services that support the NAFTZ mission. In addition, he supports coordination of committee activities, advancing the public policy agenda, building and maintaining relationships that are key to NAFTZ members, and offering enlightened approaches to ever shifting association issues.

Prior to NAFTZ he served as the CEO of the Home Builders Association of Western Michigan representing the entire residential construction and remodeling community in Kalamazoo and six surrounding counties in southwestern Michigan. During his tenure, Tafel was responsible for increasing membership, non-dues revenue, and member engagement and retention for this trade association that advocates for attainable housing for all by promoting common sense housing policies and workforce development programs. The innovate programs like the Kalamazoo Attainable Homes Partnership that formed under his leadership remain in place and are serving as models for other communities to address housing needs.

Tafel has also worked for the International Facility Management Association for 16 years in multiple roles including as the Executive Director of the IFMA Foundation and the director of membership and councils overseeing IFMA’s more than 130 chapters and special interest groups around the world helping local volunteer boards to implement successful strategic plans and best practices to increase member value. His association career began as the Chief Operating Officer for the National Association of Credit Management of South Texas and has years of experience working in broadcast radio.

In his volunteer life, he’s served on the board of the Association Foundation Group, the Texas Society of Association Executives, Houston Society of Association Executives and was an active volunteer for the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives. He holds the Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Michigan Technological University. In his own words, he’s an association geek.

He is married with three sons living in Portage, MI, enjoys time with family and their 3 huskies, is an road and mountain bicyclist and self-proclaimed ‘foodie’.

Mónica holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Finance from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru, as well as the Higher Management Program from INCAE Business School in Costa Rica. In 2022, she participated in the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme Study Tour funded by the Swiss government to enhance Eco-Industrial Park approaches and practices as a member of GEIPP (Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme) supported by UNIDO.

With over 20 years of experience as a strategic leader, she has consistently driven growth across the financial, real estate, and industrial sectors. Her expertise lies at the intersection of executive management and applied finance, encompassing commercial direction, business model design, investment evaluation, and financial structuring. She has held leadership roles within key organizations such as Sub-Manager of Indupark and the National Society of Industries (SNI), where she has focused on developing industrial real estate projects and shaping sector-specific strategies.

Her leadership extends to industry representation, having served as Chair of the Industrial Parks Committee and Vice President of the Chilca-Pucusana Chamber of Commerce. In these roles, she has been instrumental in promoting policies that enhance sector competitiveness, driving initiatives to attract investment and develop logistics corridors. This experience has strengthened her ability to build high-performing teams and foster sustainable public-private partnerships that deliver measurable results.

The World FZO World Congress 2026 is not designed as a traditional conference. It is a working platform where the next generation of Free Zone models, industrial strategies, and cross-border collaborations are actively shaped.

Sponsorship is therefore an invitation to co-create outcomes, not simply support an event.

As global industries face fragmentation, technological disruption, and sustainability pressures, the Congress serves as a neutral global space where governments, zones, and the private sector collectively test ideas, align priorities, and translate dialogue into action. Sponsors contribute to this process, helping move the conversation from policy to implementation.

By sponsoring the Congress, organizations take part in:

• Shaping real-world frameworksthat influence how Free Zones evolve as engines of industrial growth and innovation.
• Contributing expertise, insight, and leadershipto discussions that inform future regulations, investment models, and development strategies.
• Leaving a tangible legacy, through ideas, partnerships, and initiatives that extend beyond the three days of the Congress.

To support this collaborative approach, the Congress offers a range of sponsorship categories and exhibitor opportunities, allowing organizations to engage at different strategic levels.

World Congress 2026 is about building shared answers to shared challenges, how industries will locate, operate, decarbonize, digitise, and scale in the years ahead. Sponsors are not positioned on the sidelines but embedded in the process of defining these answers.

For more details or any inquiries related to sponsorship, please contact Talha Khan at Talha.khan@worldfzo.org.