Dr. Samir Hamrouni is CEO of the World Free Zones Organization. In this role he reports to the Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, providing analytical assistance and advice on key strategic matters to the organization consolidating this new not-for-profit organization.

Previously, Dr. Samir was employed as Senior Advisor with Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a 100% Government owned free zone that promotes modern technology based industries. Previous to DSO he was at Economic Zones World, EZW, a global developer and operator of economic zones, technology, logistics and industrial parks under the Dubai World Group. EZW’s portfolio includes JAFZA, one of the world’s largest free zones; TechnoPark (TP), a research driven business and industrial park, and Dubai Auto Zone, an industry specific free zone. 

Dr. Samir coordinated a multidisciplinary team, which developed for the Dubai Economic Development Department and Dubai Executive Council the “Dubai Medium Term Economic Plan 2012-2016”.

Dr. Samir has served in various posts since he began his career. He was Manager of Research & Development at The Arab Science & Technology Foundation (ASTF).

During 2004-2005, Samir joined the Euro-Arab Management School (EAMS), as Director of Business Development. In 2002, he founded the Barcelona Arab Center, which aims to consolidate Euro-Arab cooperation in the cultural, social, educational and economic fields, and until very recently he was its director.

In 1997, he was working as Research Manager at the University of Barcelona (UB), where he played a key role in the internationalization of research and the establishment of “Parc Cientific de Barcelona” (Barcelona Science Park), a pioneer R+D+I structure (Research + Development + Innovation).

Sachs is widely recognized for bold and effective strategies to address complex challenges including the escape from extreme poverty, the global battle against human-induced climate change, international debt and financial crises, national economic reforms, and the control of pandemic and epidemic diseases.    

Sachs serves as the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, where he holds the rank of University Professor, the university’s highest academic rank. Sachs was Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University from 2002 to 2016. He is President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Co-Chair of the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, academician of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican, Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Development, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Honorary Distinguished Professor at Sunway University, and SDG Advocate for UN Secretary General António Guterres. From 2001-18, Sachs served as Special Advisor to UN Secretaries-General Kofi Annan (2001-7), Ban Ki-moon (2008-16), and António Guterres (2017-18).  

Sachs has authored and edited numerous books, including three New York Times bestsellers: The End of Poverty (2005), Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet (2008), and The Price of Civilization (2011). Other books include To Move the World: JFK’s Quest for Peace (2013), The Age of Sustainable Development (2015), Building the New American Economy: Smart, Fair & Sustainable (2017), A New Foreign Policy: Beyond American Exceptionalism (2018), The Ages of Globalization: Geography, Technology, and Institutions (2020), and most recently, Ethics in Action for Sustainable Development (2022).

Sachs is the 2022 recipient of the Tang Prize in Sustainable Development and was the co-recipient of the 2015 Blue Planet Prize, the leading global prize for environmental leadership. He was twice named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential world leaders. Sachs has received 42 honorary doctorates, and his recent awards include the 2022 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development, the Legion of Honor by decree of the President of the Republic of France, and the Order of the Cross from the President of Estonia.

Prior to joining Columbia, Sachs spent over twenty years as a professor at Harvard University, most recently as the Galen L. Stone Professor of International Trade. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Sachs received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees at Harvard.

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.

Mr Alok Chaturvedi is a retired career bureaucrat of Government of India belonging to the Indian Administrative Service. He retired as Director General of Foreign Trade, Government of India on 30.09.2019. Post retirement, he is working as Director General, Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES), Delhi. 

He is a B. Tech in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and MBA in International Public Policy from the University of Birmingham, UK. He has held different assignments in the Government of India and the State Government of Bihar. 

He joined as DGFT in July 2017 and prior to that he was Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce handling Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Division since June 2016. During his tenure as DGFT, mid-term review of the Foreign Trade Policy was under taken in Dec 2017 and many exporters friendly IT initiatives such as paperless scrips for export incentives, etc. were undertaken. During his tenure as Additional Secretary (SEZ), Department of Commerce, many amendments were carried out in SEZ Rules and related Instructions for improving ease of doing business in SEZs. 

He served as Joint Secretary (Infrastructure & Finance) in the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India from June 2012 handling policy issues related to Infrastructure, Commerce and Finance Ministries.

Mr. Pan Li is the Vice Chairman of China National Association of Free Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones, a national association of special economic zones including all free trade zones, free ports, export processing zones and Customs bonded logistics parks in China. 

With over 35 years of experience in industrialization and SEZ development, Li is among the top industry experts in China and held in high esteem across the industry. Being an industrialization advisor to some key African developing countries, Li has devoted himself in recent years in implementation of industrialization cooperation plan among China-Silk Road countries through industrial park (SEZ) development and introducing global industrial transfer.

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.

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.

Jochen Knecht is the CEO of International Free Zone Authority®, one of the most dynamic Free Zones in the UAE. 

A generalist with a deep thirst for knowledge, Jochen personifies the modern entrepreneur with his drive for progress and innovation, his openness to learning and his focus on creating an inclusive, performance-oriented and healthy work environment for all. 

His journey began in Germany, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the Universität des Saarlandes (Saarland University). Jochen was dedicated to learning even outside of the classroom; in parallel with his studies, he was already gaining real-life experience as he worked on marketing projects, events and exhibitions, for companies including Mercedes-Benz and Bosch. After University, he began his global career in Singapore, then moved on to become General Manager of a foreign branch in one the biggest brands in cleaning technology worldwide, Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG

Since then, Jochen has had extensive experience in multicultural corporate environments, having worked in a number of positions in multiple business sectors, including heavy machinery and construction equipment, in some of the world’s most prominent business locations, such as Germany, Singapore, and the UAE. 

His experience in Dubai began in 1998, where he was tasked to set up a company in the UAE, gaining him a deep appreciation of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs creating their businesses from the ground up. This personal experience of working within the Free Zone environment has uniquely equipped Jochen to lead International Free Zone Authority® with his understanding of the different aspects of running a company, from Finance to Sales to HR and Production. 

Since taking over the position of CEO in 2020, Jochen has proven his commitment to empowering International Free Zone Authority® employees, partners and clients with programs designed to deepen their expertise in business. Under his leadership, International Free Zone Authority® continues to spark a new wave of learning through the IFZA Academy, which will provide master classes to help entrepreneurs and their employees attain soft skills or upskill especially in the digital age, as well as a robust line-up of events designed to help SMEs become more proficient in the industries they are in.

Mr. Edwin Manansang received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from STAN State Finance Polytechnic, Jakarta, in 1992. He then obtained his Master of Science in Policy Economics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA in 1997. He also completed his Ph.D. in Financial Management at the University of Indonesia, Jakarta, in 2012. 

Prior to serving as the Secretary General of the National Council for Special Economic Zones, he served as the Senior Advisor to the Minister for Digital Transformation, Creativity and Human Resources at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (2022-2025); Assistant Deputy Minister for Digital Economy (2020-2022); Assistant Deputy Minister for Economic Cooperation and Multilateral Financing/Assistant G20 Sherpa Indonesia (2014-2020); and Head of Department for International Financial Cooperation (2010-2014).

Ahmed BENNIS is a result driven and accomplished senior director with extensive experience in implementing large investment projects in ports, industrial and logistics. He acquired a demonstrated expertise in the deployment of successful business development strategies with strong focus on profitability, cost optimization & establishment of strategic partnerships. 

Ahmed Bennis is actually the Managing Director of Tanger Med Zones (TMZ). He oversees the development, implementation, and management of Special Economic Zones within Tanger Med Industrial Platform. 

He succeeded in the establishment of strategic partnerships, and maintain membership and leadership roles in international organizations such as International Maritime Organization, UNCTAD, UNIDO, WTO, African Union Commission.

Prior to his current position, Ahmed BENNIS led the international business development that consist of designing investment and partnership agreements with several ports and government authorities in Africa. He was also appointed director of economic zones since 2011, where he was in charge of the implementation of Tanger Med Automotive Industrial Platform hosting the Renault Nissan car plant and a comprehensive tier1-n ecosystem.

Ahmed BENNIS played an instrumental role in setting up the Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO) and the African Ports Task Force (APTF), where he currently serves as Secretary General of both organizations. He is also a founding member of the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones (GASEZ) , an initiative launched in May 2021 by UNCTAD.

Ahmed Bennis began his professional career in 2001, in IT and Financial services at NEC computers International in Paris, France. Then he moved to Luxembourg for a business development position at FlexFinance – Oracle Group, prior to joining Thomson Reuters in Dubai in 2007, where he was appointed to drive sales and presales activities, providing business solutions and consultancy services for large financial institutions in Middle East and Africa.

Ahmed BENNIS holds an MBA in Market Intelligence and Strategic Management from “Ecole de Guerre Economique – Paris” and was graduated from HEC Business School. He has strong business communication skills in English, French, Arabic, Italian and Spanish.

Dr. Bo Bai is the Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Alpha Ladder Group, a Singapore-based green fintech group focused on creating a more inclusive and sustainable future. Alpha Ladder’s subsidiaries provide regulated financial services including a digital green exchange, payment, brokerage services, and end-to-end carbon Software-as-a-Service solutions. Through its offerings and business units, Alpha Ladder supports its clients throughout each step of their decarbonization journeys in line with the principles of define, measure, mitigate, offset, certify, and finance.

Dr. Bai is also the Chairman and Founder of Asia Green Fund, an award- winning impact private equity firm with approximately US$2.3 billion assets under management, focused on accelerating climate tech and sustainability pioneers leading Asia’s decarbonization agenda. In addition, Dr Bai is the Chairman and Co-Founder of MVGX, a pioneer in sustainability compliance across seven key Asia-Pacific markets. MVGX offers digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), regulatory compliance reporting, carbon credit advisory and trading, capacity building, and access to green finance. Powered by proprietary AI and the region’s largest emissions factor database, MVGX’s plug-and-play solutions enable businesses to reduce compliance costs and unlock capital through green finance and carbon credit monetization.

Previously, Dr. Bai was a partner and managing director for Warburg Pincus from 2009-2016 where he led its investments in the energy, industrials, and business services sectors in Asia. He has also held senior leadership positions at global financial institutions such as First Reserve Corporation and Goldman Sachs.

Dr. Bai serves as an Investment Committee Member of Three Gorges Green Fund. Dr. Bai also serves as a Board Member of Elessent Cleantech (formerly Dupont Cleantech), Shanghai East Low Carbon Technology, Nanjing Baoying Gases, Beijing Capital Heating, Four Rivers Investment Management, Hosjoy, Low Carbon Environment, and AIPark. Previously, he served as a Board Member of HuiTongDa (9878.HK), Baosteel Gas, AAG Energy, Gulf Coast Energy Resources, and First Green Partners. Dr. Bai is also a founding member of the China Impact Investment Network (CIIN), and a member of ASPEN global leadership network.

Dr. Bai holds a BSc and an MSc in Modern Physics from the University of Science and Technology of China, a degree certificate in the Financial Technology Option from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, and a Ph. D. in Physics from MIT.

Mr. Hossam Heiba is an experienced investment banker and direct investment professional with more than 32 years of experience of which 25 years management experience in setting up, managing, negotiating and enhancing direct investments in more than 15 different sectors and industries with international practice standards that involved undertaking different tasks that varied between managing investment companies and assuming operating roles, restructuring activities and companies, developing and executing workable business plans, initiating and developing start up projects and companies in the various sectors and countries.

• Member of the Advisory Board of EthonAI
• Member of the Supervisory Board of Wirocks
• Member of the Supervisory Board of Relatech
• Previous experiences in supervisory boards and associations: Chairman of the Supervisory Board
  of Siemens Korea. Member of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Messe AG. Member of the Main Board of ZVEI (German Association of the Electrical Industry) and VDMA (German Association of Machine Builders). Chairman of the Board of the Association of German
  Automation Companies, largest Association within the ZVEI. Member of the Marketing and Strategy Board of the IEC.
• Successful track record as CEO in the following Industries: Digitalization, Industrial Software, IT, IoT, Communications Equipment, Industrial Automation, Electrical Grid Equipment/Digitalization
  /Automation, Rail and Truck supply industry. Experienced in Software, Product, Project as well as Services business.
• Long term experience in communication with the capital market.

Preston Mendenhall has more than 20 years’ experience in emerging markets. Based at Tatu City, he manages the 5,000-acre Special Economic Zone in Kenya, as well as Rendeavour’s operations across the company’s new city developments.

Previously, Preston was Head of Marketing & Public Affairs for Renaissance Group, the Moscow-based emerging markets investment firm. Prior to Renaissance, Preston was Vice President for Strategy of Russian Standard, Russia’s leading global consumer brand with interests in financial services and alcohol beverage production and distribution.

From 1993-2006, Preston was a producer and correspondent for NBC News, covering global events in the Soviet successor states, Europe, Central and South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Preston is a graduate of Cornell University and Phillips Exeter Academy.

Mrs. Priscilla Lim currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), where she leads with a blend of strategic vision, operational discipline, and a deep commitment to national development. With over two decades of leadership experience across multinational corporations, Mrs. Priscilla has built a reputation for delivering transformative business outcomes while nurturing people, partnerships, and purpose, communities, and the nation. 

Throughout her career, she has consistently turned challenges into opportunities. As President of NS Bluescope Lysaght, she steered and implemented transformative initiatives that significantly strengthened the company’s financial and operational performance. At Saint-Gobain, she drove substantial performance improvements through strategic commercial and operational optimisation. Her leadership at Lafarge Malaysia helped shape group-wide strategy, drive trading growth, and secure over RM200 million in capital investments. 

Priscilla is known not only for driving performance but for reshaping business models with integrity, agility, and long-term impact. Her leadership style combines strategic clarity with empathy, creating cultures that are inclusive, resilient, and results-driven. 

She holds an MBA (Distinction) and a First-Class Honours degree in Economics from the University of Malaya, along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Aggregates Management from the University of Leicester. She has also completed executive programmes in Strategic Marketing and M&A at INSEAD, France. 

As CEO, Priscilla is committed to positioning PKFZ as a globally connected, innovation-led hub that supports sustainable trade, attracts investment, and reinforces Malaysia’s role in the regional logistics and supply chain ecosystem. Her vision is anchored in purpose: to create lasting value for businesses, communities, and the nation.

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, an MBA from the University of Bristol, and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Miami in the United States. 

He previously served as Minister of Commerce and Industry, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning, and Minister of Sports Affairs. 

Throughout his career, H.E. Al Sunaidy has chaired several prominent national institutions, including the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), the Information Technology Authority, the Board of Directors of OMRAN Group, and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development. 

With a distinguished background in economic policy, industrial development, strategic planning, and entrepreneurship, H.E. Al Sunaidy has played a pivotal role in strengthening Oman’s business environment and advancing free zones and investment initiatives in the region. 

He currently serves as Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones in the Sultanate of Oman, where he continues to lead national efforts to attract investment, drive economic diversification, and promote globally competitive and sustainable free zones aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

Martín Gustavo Ibarra is the President of Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants, a leading consulting firm specializing in free zones and international trade strategies.

He was part of the World Bank mission that established China’s Special Economic Zones in 1983, and over the past four decades, he has advised numerous countries on free trade zone legislation and trade promotion mechanisms.

He is a Founding Member and former Vice-Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), where he currently serves as Advisor to the Board. He is also the Founder and first President of the Latin American Association of Free Zones (AZFA).

Currently, he coordinates the WTC Free Zones global strategy, leading the alignment of free zone initiatives within the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA).

Blanca Sorigué has an undergraduate degree in Tourism from the University of Girona (UdG), a General Management Program (PDG) at IESE, a master’s degree in marketing management at the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the Digital Business Executive Program (ISDI). 

She is the first female CEO at the Consorci de la Zona Franca, a position she acceded to in January 2018 after having directed the institution’s International Expansion Department in 2017. Much of her professional career has been linked to the organization of fairs and other professional events, acting as managing director of the International Logistics Exhibition (SIL) since 2004 of Barcelona Meeting Point (BMP) since 2018 and creating the eDelivery Barcelona Expo & Congress and the recent Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) & the Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW). 

She has decided to support the digitalisation of the industry through two major projects led by the institution: the first European incubators for 3D printing (3D Incubator) and the Logistics 4.0 (Logistics 4.0 Incubator), and the DFactory Barcelona, the largest ecosystem of the industry 4.0 in Southern Europe, which currently counts with 30 companies.

In 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 she was named by Yo Dona magazine (El Mundo) as one of the 100 most influential women in Spain, and in January 2023 Forbes magazine named her as one of the 50 most elegant businesspeople in the country. In addition, in 2023 and 2024 she has been named by Forbes as one of the 100 most influential women in Spain and, in 2025, one of the 100 most influential women in Catalonia. In November 2023 he received an award at the National Logistics Awards, granted by the Diario del Puerto in recognition of his work in the logistics sector. And in January 2024, is awarded with the Admira Prize, recognizing her work and promotion of logistics on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of SIL Barcelona. 

She is currently the CZFB’s representative on the board of directors of the WFZO (World Free Zones Association) and AFZA (Free Trade Zones Association of the Americas), in ACTE (Association of Transport Centres of Spain), in the Barcelona Centre Disseny (BCD) and on the Board of the BIT Habitat Foundation. In 2021 she became the first woman to join the Board of Directors of CIMALSA, she also became a member of the Board of Trustees of the Institut Cerdà and joined the Catalonia Regional Advisory Board of BBVA. In mid-2023, she was appointed Vice President of the World Free Zone Organization, the world's largest not-for-profit free zone organisation which has more than 1550 members from 140 countries, the first woman to hold this position.

Alex Irwin-Hunt is a journalist at fDi Intelligence, a specialist publication at the Financial Times focused on foreign direct investment and economic development. He has reported on business stories in markets around the world, with a particular focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystems. Alex specialises in sourcing, visualising and analysing data trends through his weekly newsletter Graph Time and is a regular speaker at international conferences. He has moderated panels on topics including free zones, tourism, sustainability, urban planning, real estate, venture capital and investment climates.

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.

Dr. Manuel Francisco Pedro is a senior executive with over 15 years of experience in Angola’s financial sector, where he has led high-impact initiatives supporting national development goals. Fluent in Portuguese, English, and French, he has played a key role in international negotiations, including tax treaties and financing agreements with institutions such as the World Bank and African Development Bank. As former Director of International Relations at Angola’s Ministry of Finance, he coordinated IMF Article IV missions and represented the country in various bilateral and multilateral economic forums. 

He holds a degree in Economics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Economic Policies and Development from Agostinho Neto University, with advanced training from the IMF and World Bank in macrofinancial planning, financial inclusion, and sustainable finance. 

Currently, as Chairman of the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone, Dr. Pedro promotes sustainable, innovation-driven development. Under his leadership, LB SEZ has gained regional and global recognition. In 2023, it was recognized by the United Nations Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones (GASEZ) as one of the world’s 50 SDG Model Zones. Additionally, it received an award as a model zone for its implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Annual Meeting of the African Economic Zones Organization, held in Tangier. 

In January 2024, LB SEZ became the regional office of the World Free Zones Organization for Southern Africa, solidifying its role as a regional gateway. The Zone also joined the UN Global Compact, reinforcing its commitment to responsible business practices. Its social initiatives include a university scholarship program for youth and the inauguration of 700 social housing units, highlighting a deep commitment to community development and ethical business. 

Dr. Pedro continues to drive strategic growth and global partnerships, positioning LB SEZ as a catalyst for sustainable economic transformation in Angola and beyond.

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.

After achieving academic career in the UK in 2001, Ms. Song has been engaged in the promotion of regional eco-industrial parks and circular economy. She used to be the deputy director of the Environmental Protection Bureau of Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), and organized the ISO14001 environmental management system operation management, National Eco-industrial Demonstration Park Creation, and the circular economy pilot project construction for TEDA. Moreover, she organized and carried out a number of international projects such as the pilot project of the China-EU Environmental Management Plan – Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area and the EU Transforms Asia – Binhai New Area Industrial Symbiosis Project. As a expert member of the National Economic and Technological Development Zone (NETDZ) Comprehensive Development Area of the Ministry of Commerce of China, Ms. Song has been engaged in research on the topic of “International Cooperation on Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection in NETDZs” for many years, who also promoted the establishment of the “Green Partnership of Industrial Parks in China (GPIPC)”.

At the same time, Ms. Song is also a Zero-Waste City review expert of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, and the Deputy Director of the first China Industrial Ecology Committee. In 2019, as the only representative of the China industrial parks green development promoting platform, she was invited to deliver a keynote speech at the United Nations “Global Industrial Park Sustainable Development Conference” , and was subsequently selected as an expert in the field of sustainable development of industrial parks of the United Nations Industrial Development Agency.

王迅先生是世界贸易中心协会主管亚太地区的副总裁。他负责世界贸易中心协会在亚太的商务拓展和会员服务，支持亚太地区现有世界贸易中心的营运和发展，并执行世界贸易中心网络在亚太的扩展计划。王先生在美国、中国和亚洲其他地区拥有二十多年商务拓展和贸易服务的广泛经验。他也负责管理世界贸易中心协会北京代表处（亚太办事处）的日常营运。

王先生此前任美国圣地亚哥世界贸易中心副总裁，主管亚洲事务。在他的领导下，圣地亚哥世贸中 心亚洲部成为圣地亚哥商界和世界贸易中心网络与亚洲贸易的一个重要平台。他先后十九次组织商 贸代表团访问中国和亚洲其他地区，成员包括企业高管、商界领袖以及高级政府官员。他也为数以 千计的中小型企业在亚洲成功拓展提供了资讯、沟通和业务伙伴等方面的帮助。在 2002 年加入圣 地亚哥世界贸易中心之前，王先生在总部位于圣地亚哥的无线软件公司 PacketVideo 任商务发展高 级经理，负责在中国市场推广无线多媒体平台的商务拓展工作。王先生毕业于美国加利福尼亚大学 圣地亚哥校区国际关系及太平洋研究学院，并获太平洋国际关系硕士学位。王先生还拥有中国浙江 大学的文学硕士和学士学位。

Mr. Scott Wang is the Vice President, Asia Pacific for the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). In this role, Mr. Wang draws from his 20+ years of expertise on businesses relations and trade in the U.S. and Asian countries to lead WTCA’s efforts in developing business relations in Asia Pacific region. He supports the operational and development needs of existing WTCs in the Asia Pacific, and executes the growth and expansion initiatives for new WTCs in the area. 

Prior to his appointment to WTCA, Mr. Wang served as Vice President of the WORLD TRADE CENTER San Diego (WTCSD) in charge of Asia Desk, where he developed Asia Desk as a prominent Asia business intelligence platform for San Diego and World Trade Center communities. During his tenure, he organized 19 trade missions to Asia with participation of companies and senior State and local government/business leaders, and provided thousands of small and medium-sized companies with assistance in information, communications and connections for doing business in Asia. Before joining WTCSD in 2002, Mr. Wang was a senior business development manager at PacketVideo Corporation, a San Diego-based wireless software company, where he led the business development efforts for the wireless multimedia platform adoption in the Chinese market. Mr. Wang holds a Masters of Pacific International Affairs (MPIA) degree from the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IR/PS) at University of California, San Diego (UCSD), in addition to M.A. and B.A. degrees from Zhejiang University, China.

Juan Duarte is an economist with a minor in Corporate Law from Universidad de los Andes. He has completed advanced studies in Negotiation, Strategy, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Finance at Harvard University, and Babson College. He holds a joint MBA with dual degrees from IE Business School (Spain) and Singapore Management University (Singapore). He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMI-PMP), Scrum Master Certified (SMC) and Port Professional Manager (PPM). 

His professional background includes consulting in the port, transport infrastructure, and logistics sectors. He has worked on port optimization, logistics studies, market projections, technical and financial due diligence, investment plans, and port design. He has advised ports, investment banks, and international engineering firms. His experience also includes business intelligence, big data processing and predictive analytics. 

He has over 12 years of experience in more than 10 countries and is currently the Executive President of AAPA Latam and a member of the Professional Development Board of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).

Fábio Feijó is an economist with postgraduate studies in Management and Leadership from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Sloan School of Management, in Cambridge, USA.

With over 20 years of international experience, he has worked at the intersection of technology, processes, and business results across world-class companies in the mining, logistics, consulting, transportation, and steel industries. He built a global leadership track record by heading strategic areas such as procurement, compliance, global standards, and shared service centers, managing operations in Brazil, Australia, New Caledonia, Indonesia, Oman, Mozambique, and Canada.

Between 2023 and 2024, he held the position of Executive Secretary for Commerce, Services, and Innovation of Ceará State, where he designed and implemented public policies to position the region as a new hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Brazil.

Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Board of ADECE (Ceará’s Economic Development Agency) and CEO of ZPE Ceará, Brazil’s first and largest Export Processing Zone (Free Trade Zone), internationally recognized in 2024 by the Financial Times fDi Intelligence ranking as the 8th best FTZ in the world.

Sean Doherty is the head of International Trade & Investment and a member of the executive committee at the World Economic Forum. The Forum’s trade and investment activities are structured in three pillars around geopolitics and governance; facilitation and innovation; and environmental and social outcomes. In this role, Sean steers a leadership platform of ministers, chief executives and heads of international organizations, to advance global public-private cooperation through a portfolio of policy initiatives and practical implementation, across issues including industrial policy, TradeTech, international services and more. Among other responsibilities, he was the founding director of the global alliance for trade facilitation, co-author of the E15 Initiative and chair of the world investment for development alliance. 

Earlier, Sean headed several industrial communities at the World Economic Forum, including the chemicals, mining, metals and transport ceo groups. In these roles, he advanced multiple initiatives across supply chain risk, decarbonization and humanitarian response. He worked previously in the express logistics sector and as both a strategy consultant and business analyst. He holds master’s degrees in international economic law, business administration, molecular biology and aeronautical engineering.

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.

Currently Dr. Hashim S. Hussein is the Head of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Investment and Technology Promotion Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain (ITPO Bahrain), and the International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ICEI). He is also the Executive Director of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum, appointed as an International Ambassador for Social Corporate Responsibility; the Secretary General of the Maritime-Continental Silk Road Entrepreneurs Alliance, and the Elected Vice Chairman of the Maritime-Continental Silk Road Cities Alliance. He is also a founding member of the Islamic Creative Economy; and a board member of the World Business Angels Forums, the MENA Investment Center in Bahrain which is supported by the Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). 

He has a rich experience in the field of Industrial Development, Investment and Technology Promotion, MSME development through Innovation Entrepreneurship for the past 30 years. He is a strong international advocate for Women’s Economic Empowerment. Holds a PhD (Honors) in International Law from the Universite de Nantes, France; and obtained a Doctoral Research Programme from the University of Maryland at College Park, Centre for International Development and Conflict Management (CIDCM), Maryland, U.S.A in the year 1989. He has worked at various levels in different countries around the world towards International Development. 

He joined UNIDO in 1991 as a Program Officer eventually became the Head of UNIDO-ITPO in 1996. Dr. Hussein is also the Director of the ICEI in which he played an instrumental role in its establishment in Bahrain in 2001. Through ICEI, he initiated and developed the Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion Program (EDIP) which is currently implemented in over 52 countries from Uruguay, Africa, the MENA region and all the way to China. In addition, to that the ICEI has provided capacity building programs to 5,500 experts worldwide in the area of promoting domestic and foreign investment, Entrepreneurship and MSMEs.

Stephania Bonilla-Feret is a Ph.D. economist working in the Division on Investment and Enterprise at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Throughout her career at UNCTAD, she has held several roles involving research, technical assistance, and policy advice on investment and entrepreneurship for sustainable development in developing countries. 

She currently serves as Chief of the Office of the Director of the Division on Investment and Enterprise, where she oversees the division’s strategic activities and operations, including flagship initiatives such as the World Investment Forum. In addition, she coordinates the UNCTAD-led Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones (GASEZ), which works to promote a new generation of SEZs that drive inclusive and sustainable development through international collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Holger is the founder of Thinking Arabian and looks back on 40 years of entrepreneurial experience in manufacturing, logistics and media. Through that, he is bridging the DACH region and the Arab world since more than a decade. Next to his entrepreneurial roles, he is President of the International Chamber of Commerce Germany and Vice-President of the Global International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France. Former President of the German Foreign Trade Association (BGA) and member of advisory boards at Arab-German Chamber (GHORFA), KfW (State-bank) and Commerzbank. He also serves as honorary patron of the German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Trade, offering unparalleled access to top-tier networks and decision-makers.

Richard Bolwijn is the director of investment research at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), based in Geneva, Switzerland. He leads research for the annual World Investment Reports and numerous other publications on international investment and development. Since joining UNCTAD in 2010, Richard has held numerous positions in the division on investment and enterprise, managing work on investment policies and international investment agreements, technical assistance on investment promotion and facilitation, and capacity building on sustainability reporting. Prior to joining UNCTAD, Richard was a senior manager in McKinsey & Company in Milan, Italy. He also worked in the economics group of KPMG Consulting in London, UK. Richards holds degrees in International Economics from Bocconi University in Italy and in International Relations from Groningen University in the Netherlands.

Mr. Badr Buhannad is the Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), where he leads the strategic evolution of Dubai’s dedicated knowledge and innovation district. With over two decades of experience in corporate strategy, business services, and audit management, he is a proven strategic leader known for aligning long-term vision with operational execution, delivering measurable impact through C-level engagement, board reporting, and transformation initiatives. 

Before assuming the role of Director General, Mr. Buhannad served as Deputy Director General of DSO and Chief Corporate Support Officer at Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). In this dual capacity, he oversaw corporate functions and led the Authority’s digital transformation, driving enterprise technology upgrades, supply chain optimization, and business process redesign. He played a pivotal role in shaping DIEZ’s cluster-based development model while strengthening cross-functional alignment across strategic sectors. 

At DSO, Mr. Buhannad has championed several major organizational shifts, including the launch of the 2021 Strategic Pillars, Smart City, Desired Society, Technology Hub, and Happiest People, framing a renewed purpose in line with the Dubai 2021 Plan. His leadership has also driven infrastructure modernization, end-to-end process reengineering, and a corporate culture reset focused on agility and impact. 

His earlier roles include Chief Audit and Risk Officer at Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (DIFCA), where he established the internal audit and risk department. He has also held senior positions at Dubai World and the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, bringing a strong foundation in finance, operations, and governance. 

In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Buhannad contributes to Dubai’s national digital transformation efforts as a member of the Dubai Free Zone Council’s Digital Committee. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Higher Diploma in Accounting from the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai.

Rie Vejs Kjeldgaard is the Director of the Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition Department at the International Labour Organisation. 

Prior to her current assignment she served as the Director of the Department of Partnerships and Field Support, and before that as the Deputy Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. In the ILO she has held a variety of management positions including Deputy Sub-Regional Director for Southeast Asia, New Delhi; ILO Country Director for Viet Nam; Manager of the ILO Global Programme on “Decent Work Country Level Policy Analysis”. She has also served as an Enterprise Specialist in several positions including as the Global Manager of a Technical Corporation Programme on “Job Quality in Micro and Small Enterprises”; Enterprise Development Specialist in the ILO Regional Office for Asia and Pacific in Bangkok; and as Senior Specialist in Enterprise Development, ILO Headquarters in Geneva. Prior to the ILO she worked as Head of Product and Market Development in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Rie is a Danish national. She has an educational background in Economics and Business Administration with a specialization in marketing and international business development.

Netty Muharni is the Head of Bureau for Investment, Cooperation, and Communication at the Secretariat General of National Council for Special Economic Zones, a position she has held since December 2024. 

Netty Muharni holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Syiah Kuala University, Indonesia. 

Netty Muharni has more than 20 years of experience in investment promotion, international trade, and regional economic cooperation. From 2015 to 2024, she served as Assistant Deputy Minister for Regional and Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of Indonesia. Earlier, she was Head of the Investment Promotion Department at the Regional Government of Aceh Province (2013– 2015) and Head of the International Trade Division at the Trade and Industry Department of Aceh Province (2007–2013). 

Netty Muharni’s international experience includes serving as Vice Chair of the APEC Economic Committee (2020–2021, 2022–2023, 2024–2025) and Indonesia’s Lead Negotiator for the RCEP Sub-Committee on Business Environment (2021–2024). She also chaired and led the ASEAN Post-2025 Vision Working Group and headed the Indonesia National Secretariat of IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA (2015–2024). She was a member of the Steering Committee for the Asia Low Emission Development Strategies Partnership (2022– 2023).

Ms. Chen Qiaoyan, holds a Master’s degree in Law, currently serves as the Director of Free Trade Development Board of Zhejiang Province (Secretariat of the China Center for Cooperation on Special Economic Zones of BRICS Countries). 

Since 2003, she has been engaged in key areas as trade remedies, administrative law enforcement, commercial development planning, international trade reform and e- commerce development promotion. As a senior expert in WTO affairs for Zhejiang Province, she has held leadership positions in Yiwu Bureau of Commerce, Yiwu E-commerce Leadership Group, E-commerce Division of Zhejiang Department of Commerce and Zhejiang E-commerce Promotion Center. 

She has spearheaded substantial work across multiple domains, including: Yiwu international trade reform, domestic and cross- border e-commerce, policy and regulation formulation and development initiatives of rural e-commerce, digital trade legal frameworks, the alignment with high-standard international economic and trade rules.

WU Qunfeng, Deputy Director-General of Shanghai Free Trade Zone Authority (Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone Authority). 

Before he took the present position, Mr. WU has served for various administrations with a focus on institutional innovation and economic development, including Staff Member and Senior Staff Member at Shanghai Pudong New Area Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision; Senior Staff Member, Principal Staff Member and Deputy Divison Director at Shanghai Lingang Area Development and Construction Management Committee and Nanhui New Town; Deputy Division Director and Division Director at China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang Special Area Administration. 

Mr. WU graduated from Peking University with a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws degree in Chinese Constitutional and Administrative Law.

Zhongxiu Zhao, Ph.D is Professor and President of University of International Business and Economics, China (UIBE). He joined UIBE in 1991 as assistant professor and held positions as dean, assistant president and vice president. He was president of Shandong University of Finance and Economics (SDUFE) from December 2018 to January 2023 and return to UIBE as president. Professor Zhao holds BA in Economics (Peking University,1988), Ph.D. in Economics (UIBE,2000) and Doctor Honoris Causa (Yokohama National University, Japan 2015). Dr. Zhao’s prolific academic career has included contributions as co-author and editor for eighteen books, author of numerous academic articles, and a frequent participant in academic conferences. He has also utilized his academic expertise in frequent consulting positions for government agencies, international organizations, and both Chinese and international companies, including his position as the Chairman of Higher Education Economics and International Trade Teaching Steering Committee of the Ministry of Education, Vice Chairman of the China Society of World Economics, Co-president of the China Council for BRICS Think Tank Cooperation, and Member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). Professor Zhao is an active member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (since 2015).

Julio is a Colombian lawyer currently serving as Executive Director of the Free Trade Zone Association of the Americas. He has over 15 years of experience specializing in foreign investment and foreign trade. His distinguished career includes key roles in the public sector, where he has significantly contributed to policymaking and the promotion of foreign investment in institutions such as ProColombia, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and the Colombian Embassy in Spain. 

In the private sector, he has practiced law with excellence in entities such as private equity funds and business consultancies. His experience spans fundraising, project financing, and investment evaluation, bringing a comprehensive and sound approach to each project he is involved in.

Ainsley Brown is the former Interim Chief Operating Officer for the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) and a Lawyer and Notary Public from, Ontario, Canada. 

Ainsley was instrumental in the creating the Regulatory Framework, including the Sustain-a-Livity concept, for the Jamaica’s Special Economic Zones Regime. He lead a dynamic team within the JSEZA charged with the awesome responsibility of having oversight of Jamaica’s SEZ regulatory and commercial ecosystem. 

In addition to these duties at JSEZA he is also an adjunct lecturer at the Mona School of Business and Management, the University of the West Indies, Jamaica in Supply Chain Management and Strategy on the Masters in Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme. 

Ainsley is passionate about inclusive and sustainable development, International Affairs; international trade; rugby; gardening and is an avid reader. He is a Rotarian and member of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Mr. Fang Aiqing, a graduate of Heilongjiang University of Commerce, has served successively as Deputy Director General of the Social Commercial Management Department of the Ministry of Commerce (1980s) and Deputy Director General of the Industry Management Department of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Director General of the Department of Consumer Goods Circulation of the State Bureau of Domestic Trade, and Deputy Director General of the Trade and Market Bureau of the State Economic and Trade Commission. 

Since June 2003, he has held the positions of Deputy Director General, Director General, Member of the Party Leadership Group, Assistant Minister, and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). From March 2018 to July 2023, he served as Deputy Director of the Economic Committee of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Since February 2025, he has been serving as President of China Council for International Investment Promotion. His major works include “Research on the Development Trends of China’s Consumer Demand and Consumption Policies” and so on.

Mr. Ahmed TIBAOUI Was appointed in January 1997 by an executive decree at the row of Secretary of State. He evolved in the public sector where he exerted diverse offices in economic companies and Public Admins.
Having begun in 1974 as engineer in Telecoms, he occupied in 1985 the position of general Manager of an import and equipments maintenance company; office furniture; he established, to be designated in the same year as central director at the Algerian Ministry of Trade to set up a new central management of quality.
In 1991, he was named as director of studies at the cabinet of the republic presidency where he had in charge the follow up of economic files. two years after, he is appointed as Adviser for the Prime Minister’s cabinet to lead the executive committee in charge of the new code of investments in Algeria.
Today Mr. TIBAOUI; married and father of 3 children, all with academic degrees, is the General Manager & CEO of the WTC Algiers since 2002. He is also a board member of the major Algerian Private company CEVITAL (3 billions $ turn over). he is also a member of the Algerian Business Forum and the Algerian Swiss Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Yang Chao, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Pudong New Area Committee, Executive Deputy Mayor of Pudong New Area, and Vice Chairman of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Administration. 

His primary responsibilities involve development of Shanghai Free Trade Zone, local development and reform, finance, statistics, state-owned assets management, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness and response. 

Mr. Yang was elected Deputy Mayor of Pudong New Area in July 2020, and appointed Vice Chairman of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Administration in September 2020. He became a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Pudong New Area Committee in March 2021. Before he took his job in Pudong New Area, Mr. Yang was Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce. 

Mr. Yang was born in November 1972, and has an MBA degree.

Helson Braga is the President of the Brazilian Association of Export Processing Zones (ABRAZPE). He previously served as Executive Secretary of the National Council of Export Processing Zones (CZPE), a body under the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC). 

Dr. Braga holds a Ph.D. in Economics and was a full professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). For nearly three decades, he has been a leading figure in advancing the legal and institutional framework of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Brazil, working closely with the Federal Government, the National Congress, and the industrial sector to adapt the free trade zone model to a highly protected economy. 

He has coordinated and supported the establishment of EPZs across the country and remains an influential voice in industrial and trade policy. Dr. Braga is the author of two books and has published numerous articles and book chapters on industry and foreign trade, with a particular focus on EPZs. He is also a regular contributor to the Brazilian economic media.

Ismail Ersahin is the Executive Director and CEO of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), bringing over 25 years of experience across public and private sectors in trade, international relations, investment promotion, and business development. His diverse career includes leadership roles in government and significant experience in the automotive, textile, and tourism industries, providing him with valuable cross-sector insights that he now applies in his role at WAIPA. 

Before his tenure in investment promotion, Ismail Ersahin held various senior positions with some of Turkiye’s largest automotive groups. In these roles, he was instrumental in expanding the Turkish automotive presence internationally, notably by establishing several overseas distributors that increased market access and brand visibility. He contributed to significant modernization projects within the industry, overseeing country-specific product modifications to meet diverse regulatory and consumer needs. This hands-on experience equipped him with a deep understanding of international market dynamics and operational excellence, which later informed his strategic approach in the investment promotion sector. 

Ersahin contributed to Invest in Turkiye (Turkiye’s national investment agency) as Chief Project Director and Advisor to the Vice President during its formative years, where he helped establish the agency’s mission and strategy. Over a period of 4 years active in service, he directly facilitated $2 billion in foreign direct investment, creating 2,500 jobs, while overseeing diverse teams across several sectors.

During his 30 years of distinguished career, Dr. Li also served as a board member of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Chinese Association for International Understanding, and the China Association for Non-governmental Organizations Cooperation. He participated in extensive international exchanges and cooperation as a guest professor at University of International Relations in China and Kyoto University in Japan, and presided over the research project Preliminary Study on the Mixed Synergetic Innovation and Development of Chinese Enterprises in a New Era funded by the World Bank. Due to his outstanding achievements and leadership, Dr. Li was awarded the “Special Government Allowance of The State Council” (2005) and the “Outstanding Contribution Award for China’s Industry-academic-research Cooperation”(2015).

Cristina Aguado Medrano is a Senior Project Specialist at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), focusing on investments. She holds a dual bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Business Administration from Carlos III University of Madrid, and an MBA in International Trade from ICEX–Spain Trade and Investment. 

Previously, she worked at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she managed high-value procurement processes, co-authored technical guidance on sustainability in electoral and IT procurement and led internal digital communication projects. She also served as International Trade and Investment Advisor at the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of Spain in New Delhi, where she guided Spanish companies on market entry strategies and investment opportunities in South Asia, promoted exports, and strengthened business and institutional ties between Spain and India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. 

Her experience also includes research and policy work at the OECD Development Centre on sustainability, digital transformation, and green finance in emerging markets, as well as the coordination of educational projects. She has collaborated with both public and private sector stakeholders to foster innovation, promote international business, and advance sustainable development.

Mr. Bambang Wijanarko received his Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Population Statistics from the School of Statistics, Jakarta, in 2003. He then earned a Master of Social Research, specializing in Demography, from the Australian National University in 2010. 

He has more than two decades of professional experience in government service, particularly in special economic zone development, investment facilitation, and statistical analysis. He began his career at Statistics Indonesia in 1999 and later joined the Secretariat General of the National Council for Special Economic Zones at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in 2012. Prior to his current appointment, he held several leadership positions, including Head of the Subdivision for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (2012–2018); Deputy Director for Development and Management (2018–2023); Head Administrator of Gresik SEZ (2021–2023); and Head of the Bureau for Investment, Cooperation, and Communication (2023–2024). 

Since December 2024, he has served as Head of the Bureau for Special Economic Zone Supervision at the Secretariat General of the National Council for Special Economic Zones. In this role, he oversees regulatory compliance, conducts performance monitoring, facilitates the resolution of strategic issues in SEZ governance, and implements policies to ensure that Indonesia’s SEZs deliver tangible contributions to national economic growth.

Lisandro Ganuza is a distinguished international expert in Free Zones, global trade, and strategic regional development, known for his pragmatic leadership in integrating Latin American economies into the global supply chain. As the Public Affairs Director for Zona Franca Santafesina, he spearheads large-scale investment projects and has directly advised on the development and expansion of critical Argentine Free Zones. His key projects include strategic developments at Perico (Jujuy) and Jachal (San Juan), focusing on mining and hydrocarbons; president of Bahia Blanca Coronel Rosales FTZ and the establishment of the City of Buenos Aires Free Zone for the Knowledge Economy, and the Punta Colorada (Río Negro) zone, central to energy and logistics investment.

Mr. Ganuza holds a deep commitment to global governance and compliance within the Free Zone ecosystem. He was the Head of the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO) Regional Office Latam South and a key member of the WFZO’s Policy and Governance Committee, following a five-year tenure as a Director on the World FZO Board (2018-2023).

His international profile includes serving as Vice President of the Association of Free Zones of Ecuador (AZFE) and actively driving new project development in Ecuador and Michatoya Pacífico (Guatemala). He also acts as a Free Zones Expert for the Organization of American States (OAS) / CICTE on secure trade workshops, and his commitment to global compliance is evidenced by his consulting work with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on combating trade- based money laundering, and his participation in expert dialogues on illicit trade at the OECD in Paris.

A lawyer by background, with a Master’s certification in International Cooperation Project Management from the IDB, Mr. Ganuza focuses on leveraging regulatory frameworks and public- private partnerships to create resilient, competitive, and transparent Free Zone platforms that drive sustainable economic prosperity.

Since January 2023, Dr. Zhao has taken on the role of General Manager and Board Member at Siemens Energy(Shenzhen)Co., Ltd. and Director of Shenzhen Innovation center.

Dr. Zhao joined New Energy business of Siemens Energy in April 2020, taking overall responsibility for Asia-Pacific and China business, and in parallel heading Innovation and Service globally. In January 2021, Dr. Zhao served as the Global Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Asia Pacific New Energy business of Siemens Energy.

January 2017, Dr. Zhao moved to Berlin Germany, serving as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Power and Gas Division, Siemens AG. In this role, Dr. Zhao was leading the team in developing the most advanced gas turbine portfolio of Siemens, developing and executing the technology roadmap for the division, managing the R&D budget and programs over EUR 500 million, driving external collaboration with Chinese partners in areas such as gas turbine technology, developing digitalization technology, and exploring the new energy business fields.

Dr. Zhao Zuozhi joined Siemens in March 2009 and has held multiple key managerial positions over the years, including Design Group Lead in Gas Turbine Components, Program Manager of Gas Turbine Technology, Head of the Gas Turbine R&D team in China, and General Manager of Gas Turbine Business Unit in China.

Before joining the company, from 2005 to 2009, Dr. Zhao worked at the GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna, New York. He collaborated closely with GE Aviation, GE Energy, and the Boeing Company on various projects relating to the Design, Manufacturing and Inspection of Aero Engine, Gas Turbine, and Aircraft components.

Dr. Zhao obtained a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Arizona State University and a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Tsinghua University in Beijing. Currently, Dr. Zhao also serves as the Executive Committee member of the Global Power & Propulsion Society, the adjunct researcher at Shanghai Jiaotong University, and the guest lecturer for the Tsinghua-Siemens Digital Enterprise Leading Program. He is also the Executive

Mr. David Ebalidze – CEO at Poti Free Industrial Zone, the oldest and largest Free Zone in Georgia. most substantial in terms of business volumes being handled. Under his management, Poti Free Industrial Zone successfully attracted investments from various targeted counties. Mr. Ebralidze’s previous career activity is also associated with such large-scale private and government organizations such as the Partnership Fund of Georgia, Economic Council of Georgia, Georgian Co-Investment Fund etc. where he held various management positions and was involved in the implementation of several investment projects in Georgia.

Since January 2019 he works as CEO at the Navoi FEZ which operates within the boundaries of the Navoi province, the most industrialized region of Uzbekistan. Before moving to Uzbekistan he had worked as Vice-President in Rikor Group (Russia) and run the Rikor Technopark in Moscow from 2012 to January 2019. He worked as department head at the Special Economic Zones State Company in 2010-2011, supervising residents relations in all Russian federal SEZs. 

In 2006-2009 he worked as executive at Sistema JSC, the biggest private conglomerate in Russia. In 1993-2000 he ran the Russian branch of a Belgian construction company. Before that he served at the diplomatic service (1991- 1993). He started his career in 1989 joining the staff of Foreign Affairs Committee at the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. He graduated from MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations) in 1989 and HSE (High School of Economics, Moscow) in 2012.

As a marketing strategist with over 20 years of hands-on experience in Asian markets, Mr. Matt Liao has mastered the art of brand growth in complex business environments across Greater China and Pan-Asia. He specializes in exploring synergistic development models between luxury and mass consumer markets, with a unique cross-industry perspective covering: 

Travel Retail Marketing: Leading international destination branding and high-net-worth traveler engagement

Luxury Retail Strategy: Building symbiotic value systems between shopping malls and brands through contextualized experiences

Commercial Real Estate Innovation: Creating next-gen consumption spaces via “spatial operations + content marketing” integration  

Health & Beauty Strategy: Transforming channel management into full customer life time value optimization

FMCG & Retail Marketing: Redefining traffic conversion models in modern retail scenarios

Matt is renowned for elevating case studies into strategic frameworks. His methodologies—Luxury Democratization Touchpoint Management and & Essential Product Premiumisation Narratives —have become benchmark paradigms for cross-category brand elevation.

Jasmina Štambuk is a strategic executive with more than 20 years of leadership across public administration, economic development, and financial services. As Director of the Free Zones Administration at the Ministry of Finance of Serbia, she leads the national authority responsible for the regulation and development of free zones, aligning Serbian policy with international standards and fostering global partnerships.

Her career spans senior roles in both government and finance. She directed the modernization of Serbia’s national payment card system (DinaCard) at the National Bank of Serbia, served as CEO of Diners Club International Belgrade, and advised on financial restructuring at Erste Card Club. Her first experience in the field of free zones was gained at the holding company "Free Zone Belgrade" where, in 2006, she became the Deputy General Director. Over the years, she expanded her role to include port activities, continuing to hold leadership positions within the company Port of Belgrade.

Jasmina is recognized for her ability to deliver complex reforms, strengthen institutional frameworks, and build bridges between public and private stakeholders. Experienced in international environments, fluent in English, German, and Serbian, she has worked extensively with partners in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the UAE.

Current Positions
Vice President of China Association of Trade in Services
Vice President of China Institute of International Trade
President of the Commercial Big Data Branch of China Association of Trade in Services
Chairman of GGT (Beijing) Technology Group

Previous Positions
Director of the Digital Economy Project Team (Credit Institute) at the Research, Institute of the Ministry of Commerce
Deputy Director of the Consumer Points Research Center, Research Institute of, International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce
Director of the Academician Service Center, China Science Center, National
Development and Reform Commission
Director of the Blockchain Research Center, China Society for World Trade
Organization Studies
Deputy Director of the International Brand Research Center, China Society for, World Trade Organization Studies

He began his career as an engineer with Motorola and several multinational companies, gaining valuable hands-on experience in technical and operational roles. He later pursued and obtained his professional UK CIMA qualification as a Chartered Management Accountant.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Mr. Yeap brings a diverse background that includes technical expertise, corporate consulting, business strategy and investment facilitation.

His multidisciplinary experience has equipped him with deep understanding of both the private and public sectors, to effectively facilitate international investments into JS-SEZ in his current role at Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre -Johor.

He is multilingual and proficient in Chinese, English and Malay languages.

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi is the Assistant Executive Chairman Investments & Partnerships at the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). In his current role, he leads strategic investment initiatives and partnerships that contribute to Dubai’s economic diversification and long-term growth. He plays a key role in shaping DIEZ’s investment vision, overseeing portfolio performance, and aligning public-private collaborations with the emirate’s development goals.

He also aligns investments and partnerships with Dubai’s strategic priorities, including the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Urban Master Plan 2040. His leadership focuses on driving high-value investment opportunities, advancing emerging technologies, and strengthening ecosystem governance, positioning DIEZ’s zones as world-class destinations for startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations.

Previously, Dr. Al Matrooshi served as Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), where he led the development, implementation, and communication of the organisation’s overarching strategy. He oversaw DSO’s leadership team, steered financial performance, and ensured the effective execution of operational plans in line with international best practices. Under his leadership, DSO advanced as a key driver of Dubai’s digital economy, innovation, and technology ecosystem.

Beyond his executive responsibilities, Dr. Al Matrooshi represents the Dubai Government at the general assemblies and committees. He serves as the Assistant to the Secretary General of the Dubai Free Zones Council, Board Member of Oraseya Capital, and is a member of the UAE Economic Acceleration Unit. He has also previously contributed to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce’s Trademark Committee, the Dubai Marketing & Tourism Development Board, the UAE Banking Institute’s Insurance Brokerage Committee, and the World Free Zones Organization.

Dr. Juma holds a Doctorate in General Management from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California, and an MBA in Business Development from Western University, Michigan, USA.

Mr. Ibarra is the COO at Araujo Ibarra International Business Consultants and co- founder of IR Family Office, where he structured a comprehensive family and business management system supported by cutting-edge technology. Currently, Mr. Ibarra has ventured into the field of artificial intelligence applied to the foreign trade sector.

As part of the “World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) – Araújo Ibarra” alliance, Free Zones Go Global, Mr. Ibarra contributes to creating business opportunities and fostering international expansion.

He also collaborates with Family Office Exchange (FOX), a global leader in the Family Office industry, building strategic relationships with business families.

Mr. Ibarra serves as a board member for companies related to Family Offices, legal affairs, Zona Franca del Pacífico, Zona Franca de la Candelaria, and is a member of the board of advisors of the Mexican real estate group ALI.

Emeka C. Ene is the CEO of the Oida Group, which includes the Enugu Industrial Park Free Zone (Enpower FTZ), Oida Energy Limited, Xenergi Limited, and Xenoil. 

He is a director in Nigeria Economic Zones Association (NEZA), a past director on the board of the World Free Zones Organization (WorldFZO), the immediate past Chairman (E&P Committee) of the International Gas Union (IGU) for the 2022 – 2025 triennium, the Vice Chairman (E&P Committee) of the International Gas Union (IGU) for the 2019 – 2022 triennium, a member of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria and serves on the boards of other companies in the Oil and Gas industry. 

Emeka has also served in various capacities on a voluntary basis locally. He is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, a past Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, a past Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), and was a member of the Presidential Task Force on Refineries reform in Nigeria. 

As part of Emeka’s contribution to the body of technical knowledge and best practices in the special economic zones and the energy industry, he has published several technical papers and made several presentations in the areas of trade and entrepreneurship, Local content, Reservoir Monitoring and Well Conformance Technology. 

Emeka pioneered the launch of the MIND AFRICA Foundation (www.mindafrica.org), a non-profit initiative working with rural children ages 10 to 15 years. MIND is involved in developing leadership and life-long learning, computer based education and hands-on skills.

Artur Detkov is Deputy General Director at Industrial Park Development Company, a closed joint-stock company. Prior to joining the company, he managed foreign economic activity at the Vitebsk branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, headed the Department of Investments and Foreign Economic Relations in the Vitebsk Free Economic Zone, and served as Deputy Head of the Administration of the free economic zone, establishing relationships with key domestic and foreign investors considering Belarus as a location for localization and expansion of their businesses under preferential investment conditions. Artur Detkov has experience supporting a number of investment projects in mechanical engineering, woodworking, pharmaceuticals, logistics, food processing, and light industry. Artur Detkov participates in and co-organizes numerous investment-focused events held both in Belarus and abroad. He holds degrees in international relations, industrial economics, and philology. Completed internships and advanced training at the Academy for International Business Officials – AIBO / MOFCOM China, London School of Business and Finance, and others. Speaks German and English.

Dr. Mohan Guruswamy has over two decades of experience in industry and academics. As an expert in Strategic Planning and Organizational Development, has held positions of importance and authority in private and government agencies. He has been associated with Corporate as well as Academics on a continuous basis resulting in perfect “Synergy” between the two. As a Practitioner and a Teacher, possesses Practical and Conceptual knowledge. 

Dr Mohan has been associated with World Free Zones Organization since inception advising on Knowledge Management function, making valuable contribution in the areas of Management Consultancy services and Capability development to free zones across the globe. He has successfully delivered number of Projects, Global initiatives and Capacity building exercises for free zones and Governments in UK, Switzerland, Netherlands, Spain, USA, Canada, China, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Colombia, India, and countries in Middle East. He has conducted extensive research within free zone ecosystem and has substantial world-class publications to his credit.

He was formerly Advisor Strategy and Business Performance to the General Secretariat of Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The responsibilities primarily included advising the Council on long term Strategic Planning for the entire Emirate. Further ensuring each Government entity has a 5-year plan and the Plans of all entities are aligned to overall plan. Major contribution has come from achieving integration of all plans across entities through a series of Integration Workshops. The role was that of a Change Agent bringing about Organizational Change at various levels. 

Prior to this he worked for Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation of Dubai (DP World) and was responsible for Strategic Planning & Performance Management functions. His earlier assignments have been in Senior positions, in the capacity of Vice President Corporate Development with large, diversified Multinationals. 

His domain expertise is in the field of special economic zones, ports and customs wherein he has formulated and implemented long term strategic plans and Business Performance Management System, to Measure, Monitor and Improve Business performance for a number of entities including Government, Corporates in various sectors and Regulatory bodies. 

His academic specialization is in the areas of Strategic Planning, Corporate Governance, International Business, and Operations & Supply Chain Management. 

By virtue of being a practitioner as well as a Professor of Management Sciences, Dr. Mohan brings with him a broad knowledge base, of both conceptual and practical frameworks.

Guo Da, Executive Director of the Hainan Free Trade Port Research Institute, holds a PhD in Economics and is a Research Fellow. His research focuses on free trade port policies and systems, as well as the development of trade in services. 

He has participated in and completed over 30 major research projects related to the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, and has presided over or participated in seven provincial and ministerial-level projects. He has published three books on the Hainan Free Trade Port and over ten related academic papers. He has received five national and provincial awards, and many of his research findings have received commendations from leaders of the Central Committee, the Provincial Party Committee, and the Provincial Government.

Frank is currently the President of MVGX Tech, a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Group and headquartered in Singapore, the pioneer in sustainability compliance AI solutions. Before joining Alpha Ladder Group, Frank was the Managing Director of British Standard Institute (BSI) Greater China. He also held senior management positions at IBM China, Bank of China, Citibank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Dentsu Group. 

Frank has over 25-year experience in organization development, management consulting, and ISO Standard System and Product Certification, with business knowledge of system integration, enterprise digital transformation, big data marketing, and sustainable development.

Frank has an MBA degree in Finance from Cornell University and a MS degree in Computer Science from University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Dr. Reza Masroor, born in 1967, is a prominent and strategic figure in the Islamic Republic of Iran, widely recognized for his leadership in macroeconomic management, developmental policymaking, and governance of free trade zones. Holding an MBA from Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran and a Master’s degree in Systems-Oriented Management, he brings a rare combination of academic depth, executive experience, and forward-looking vision to the structural transformation of Iran’s economy.

As the Senior Executive of the Supreme Council for Free Trade and Special Economic Zones, Dr. Masroor is responsible for strategic leadership, national coordination, and oversight of all free zone operations across the country. The Council operates under the high presidency of Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Supreme Council. Dr. Masroor’s executive rank is equivalent to that of a Vice President, underscoring his nationally pivotal role in shaping Iran’s economic policy and international engagement.

With a focus on economic diplomacy, trade facilitation, foreign investment attraction, smart infrastructure development, and global cooperation, Dr. Masroor has elevated the status of Iran’s free zones on both regional and international levels.

His participation in global summits and conferences reflects Iran’s credibility, experience, and progressive outlook in cross-border economic collaboration.

Dr. Masroor is also recognized as a development-oriented leader in Iran’s free zone sector. He was entrusted with launching the Maku Free Zone, one of the country’s largest and most strategic economic corridors. In addition, he is the author of the book “The Governance Model of Iran’s Free Zones”, which is currently taught at university level and serves as a reference framework for policy and academic discourse.

His executive background includes leadership at the highest levels of organizational and economic governance in Iran, including:

• Chairman of the Board and CEO, Anzali Free Zone Organization
• CEO, Iranian Steel Pension Fund
• Board Member, Social Security Investment Company (SSIC – Shasta)
• Chairman of the Board, Kish Investment and Development Company
• Deputy for Economic Affairs and Investment, Kish Free Zone Organization
• Senior Advisor to the CEO, Kish Free Zone Organization
• Board Member, Kish Tourism Services Company
• Board Member, Kish Water and Power Company
• Board Member, Kish Trade Development Center
• Head of the National Taskforce for Removing Export Barriers in Free and Special Economic Zones
• Acting Deputy for Urban Development, Maku Free Zone Organization

Shirley leads the Tax Policy practice in Mainland China. With over 20 years of tax advisory experience across China, the USA, Singapore and Australia, Shirley has a proven track record of success.

She has been heavily involved in the tax reforms in China by assisting the Legislative Affairs Office of the Budgetary Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress, the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration (the STA) since 2008. She’s also involved in other policy consultation projects with the policy makers such as BEPS 2.0 and tax reform in Hainan Free Trade Port.

She has been instrumental in influencing policymakers on behalf of industries such as the transportation industry, finance leasing industry and financial services sector to achieve improved policy outcomes under the VAT reforms. She has been invited to provide various training courses to the STA officials and the tax officials at province levels.

Shirley has been working as an industry expert to the Subcommittee on Indirect Tax Issues of the United Nations Tax Committee since 2023.

She has been awarded Women in Tax Leaders from 2017 to 2025 and Indirect Tax Leader from 2016 to 2025 by International Tax Review respectively.

Shirley is also a noted speaker on tax issues, presenting at seminars and summits for professional associations, industry groups, and clients.

Before joining EY, she held leadership positions at another Big Four firm, including ASPAC Regional Indirect Tax Leader and Emerging Global Leader of Indirect Tax, where she drove the growth and development of the practice.

Patrick Kuehl is the Director of Market Relations at IFZA (International Free Zone Authority), based in Dubai. He drives global market expansion, focusing on strategic partnerships, public-sector engagement, and the development of services that support international business growth. His work includes shaping market entry strategies and enhancing IFZA’s ecosystem to better serve clients across a wide range of industries. 

Before joining IFZA, Patrick held a leadership role at Alibaba, where he played a central role in building the company’s European business and spoke at global events focused on commerce and AI. 

At this event, Patrick will speak on two panels: one exploring how Free Zones can adopt technologies like AI, data, and IoT, and another focusing on developing ecosystem services that address common challenges faced by Free Zone clients, such as accounting, banking, relocation, and employee training. 

With a business degree from London Business School and a multicultural background — having grown up between German and Chinese cultures — Patrick brings a global perspective. He strongly believes in the power of global trade and international collaboration as key drivers of progress.

Eng. Muammar is the Chief Officer of Engineering & Sustainability at DIEZ; the authority established in 2021 to consolidate and integrate the products and services of 3 of Dubai’s key economic zones: Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity. In his role, he leads the strategic direction of engineering, infrastructure, sustainability, and smart city initiatives across DIEZ’s economic zones. 

Eng. Muammar joined DSO in April 2006 as Director of Planning and Construction Management, bringing extensive expertise in construction and project management. In 2010, following a departmental merger, he became Executive VP of Engineering Management, and in 2014 was appointed Chairman of DSO’s Smart City Project Committee. 

End of 2018, Eng. Muammar was appointed Chief Project Officer of Dubai CommerCity, the region’s first dedicated e- commerce free zone, where he led its development. Today, Dubai CommerCity is a thriving business hub, advancing the digital economy and supporting regional and global e-commerce businesses. 

Eng. Muammar has held key roles in major UAE real estate firms, including Projects and Maintenance Director at Emirates Real Estate Corporation, overseeing high-profile projects such as the Ministries Complex in Abu Dhabi, various Dubai government ministries, UAE embassies in Germany and Australia, and the UAE Consulate in Munich. He also worked as a Design Engineer at Dubai’s Ministry of Public Works, Project Design Manager at Etisalat, and partner at a local design consultancy. 

Eng. Muammar holds a Master’s in Innovation & Change Management from Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University Dubai, a Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering from Al Ain University, and a Master of International Law from University Paris II. He also completed the Dubai Leadership Program (Dubai Leaders Batch 1) in 2021.

Martín Dovat is an Industrial Engineer, graduated from Universidad de Montevideo, in 2006. He holds an MBA and a Master in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California, USA. 

Since 2018, Martin is the General Manager of Zonamerica, the first private free zone in Uruguay created in 1990, wich to date houses more tan 500 companies from multiple industries and nationalities, doing international business and generating direct employment for more than 7,000 people. 

Martin previously served as Excecutive Director of Zonamerica, leading the company ́s international expansion to Colombia, whose 38 hectare free service zone was inaugurated in October 2018, whith a first phase of 20,000m2 of office space for technology companies. 

Martin also served as Project Manager in the development of more than 30,000m2 of Logistics Office, Datacenter and Infrastructure buildings, setting up the organization ́s Project Managment Office. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Uruguayan Free Zones Chamber and Uruguayan Logistics Chamber and Asociación Cristiana de Dirigentes de Empresas. He also it ́s member of the Board of Directors of Endeavor Uruguay. 

He is Director of Zonamerica Colombia and a member of the Board of the World Free Zones Organization.

Dr. Zhang Wei, Han Nationality, born in July, 1958, graduated from School of Accountancy at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and Yale Law School. 

Zhang served as Deputy Director of Hainan Provincial Department of Finance and Taxation and Vice Chairman of Xinghua Finance Company, Leader of Hainan Tax Reform Leading Group, Deputy Director of Hainan Provincial Taxation Bureau, the first Director of the Agricultural Taxation Bureau of the State Administration of Taxation, Director of the General Office of the State Taxation Administration, Vice President of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and General Representative of the Chinese Government of The Bureau of International Exposition. 

Professional affiliations: Vice President of China Chamber of International Commerce, Vice President of China Institute of International Taxation, Vice President of China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, President of China Branch of International Intellectual Property Protection Association. 

Major research areas: Finance and Taxation, Investment, Trade of Service trade and Digital trade.Visit more than 130 countries and regions. Zhang has published several books, such as Taxation and GDP Growth in China, Global Resource Distribution and Allocation, Taxation Policy and The Economy of China, in both Chinese and English, and published many papers in the press.

Simon is a thought leader in the development and operation of economic zones, with more than 20 years of experience in the field. In his current position in DP World, he plays a central role in driving the company’s growth strategy to develop a global network of industrial and logistics hubs. 

Besides its flagship Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, DP World’s global portfolio of economic zones includes London Gateway Park in the UK, the Dominican Republic Economic Zone, Posorja SEZ in Ecuador, and India’s Mumbai, Chennai, and Cochin Free Trade and Warehousing Zones. The company is further expanding its presence through new economic zone developments in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and in other strategically significant markets worldwide. 

Simon holds a Beng (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Surrey, UK and MBA in International Business from Cass Business School, London.

Mr. Zhang Bin is the Director of the Department of Commerce of Hainan Province of China. He joined the Ministry of Commerce in 2002 and worked in the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce for many years, during which he served as the Commercial Counselor of the Embassy in the UK for five years. He had been the deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Trade and Deputy Director of the National Import and Export Office of Machinery and Electronic Products since 2019. Since 2023, Mr. Zhang has served as the Director of the Department of Commerce of Hainan Province. 

Mr. Zhang has broad vision and rich experience in the business field. He has deeply participated in the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port. Over the years, he has been working closely with policy-makers, scholars and entrepreneurs in the field of business domestic and overseas. 

Mr. Zhang, majoring in International trade, graduated from Shenyang Agricultural University with a bachelor's degree in economics. Mr. Zhang obtained a master's degree in management in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences with Agricultural Economic Management.

Tang Hua, Director, PhD in Economics, was a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Technology and Public Policy, Arizona State University in 2005. She has successively worked in the Tenth Research Institute of the Ministry of Electronics Industry (now the Tenth Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation), Management Committee of Jinniu High-tech Industrial Park Development Zone, Chengdu, Chengdu Science and Technology Bureau, Chengdu Commerce Bureau, Management Committee of Chengdu High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Jinniu District People’s Government of Chengdu, and Xinjin District Committee, Chengdu. Since September 2023, she has served as the Director (Director General) of the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development and a member of the Party Leadership Group of the Department of Commerce of Hainan Province, responsible for the Hainan Free Trade Port investment promotion, enterprise services, and organization of China International Consumer Products Expo. She has rich experience in local government administration, investment promotion, high-tech industry development and science and technology startup investment.

Dr. Wu Shicun is Chairman of Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, founding president, chairman of the academic committee and senior research fellow of China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies. He also serves as chairman of the advisory board of Institute for China-America Studies(based in Washington, D.C.), member of Academic Committee of Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, and adjunct professor both of Nanjing University, and Xiamen University.

Dr. Wu has a PhD in history. His research interests cover the history and geography of the South China Sea, maritime delimitation, maritime economy, international relations and regional security strategy. His recent books include: The Origin and Development of the Nansha Disputes: A Study on the History of South China Sea Issue from a Country-Specific Perspective (Zhonghua Book Company, 2022), Hainan Free Trade Port: A Global Perspective (Guangdong People’s Publishing House, 2021), The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road: Challenges and Opportunities for Asia and Europe (Routledge, 2019), South China Sea Law fare: Post- Arbitration Policy Options and Future Prospects (South China Sea Think Tank / Taiwan Center for Security Studies, 2017), Arbitration Concerning the South China Sea: Philippines versus China (Ashgate, 2016), UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the South China Sea (Ashgate, 2015), Non-Traditional Security Issues and the South China Sea-Shaping a New Framework for Cooperation (Ashgate, 2014), Recent Developments in the South China Sea Dispute: The Prospect of a Joint Development Regime (Routledge, 2014), Solving Disputes for Regional Cooperation and Development in the South China Sea: A Chinese perspective (Chandos Publishing, 2013). Dr Wu has published widely in academic journals and been the subject of frequent media interviews as a senior commentator on South China Sea, regional security issues, the Belt & Road Initiative and the development of Hainan Free Trade Port.

Ms. Wang has been deeply involved in the industrial real-estate sector
for nearly 20 years, possessing extensive experience in the entire process
of park development and operation. She is well-versed in the full
spectrum of operations across various property types, including
industrial parks, office buildings, commercial spaces, hotels, nursing
homes, and rehabilitation hospitals. Especially, she has unique insights
into the development and operation of green industrial parks.
She has served as a Senior Project Manager of Zhangjiang Group at
Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Marketing Director of Lingang
Software Park, General Manager of the Real Estate Operations Platform
at Hony Capital in Shanghai, and General Manager of the Industrial Real
Estate Channel at Longfor Shanghai-Suzhou region.

Promoting the attraction of foreign investments (FDI) and improving national investments, Supporting the development and expansion of free zones through the establishment of new zones and the enhancement of existing ones. Assisting in the improvement of the investment services for projects and in fostering a favorable investment climate by addressing and resolving project- related challenges.