Cádiz to Host Ibero-American Free Zones Conference Focused on Innovation and Investment

The XXIX Ibero-American Free Zones Conference will take place in Cádiz, Spain, from October 26 to 28, gathering representatives from governments, businesses, universities, and international organizations to examine the challenges and opportunities facing free zones throughout Ibero-America.

Organized by the Association of Free Zones of the Americas (AZFA) and the Free Zone of Cádiz, the three-day event will be held under the theme “The Ocean That Unites Us. The Conversations That Will Shape the Future”, highlighting transatlantic economic cooperation and strategies to foster shared growth.

Five Strategic Priorities

The conference agenda will revolve around five strategic pillars: talent, innovation, knowledge transfer, investment, and business ecosystems. Organizers describe these areas as essential to strengthening the competitiveness of free zones while supporting regional economic integration and international expansion.

Fran González, the Spanish government’s delegate to the Free Zone of Cádiz, said the conference will showcase the transformation of the Cádiz free trade zone through initiatives linked to the Blue Economy, innovation, and partnerships with universities. He added that the event is expected to strengthen strategic alliances and create new opportunities for international cooperation.

Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Competitiveness

Conference sessions will examine topics including leadership, workforce development, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, sustainability, and collaboration among universities, technology centers, and the private sector. Participants will also discuss how free zones can convert research and innovation into greater productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth through international cooperation networks.

Another key area of discussion will focus on investment, exploring financial instruments, strategic partnerships, and mechanisms to support new business projects. The business ecosystem agenda will address cooperation among companies, public institutions, universities, and international organizations to attract investment and encourage entrepreneurship.

Regional Integration and Free Zone Development

The program will also include discussions on Ibero-American business integration, the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ports as strategic logistics hubs, financing for sustainable development, trade geopolitics, tourism-focused free zones, public-private partnerships, and progress on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) pilot certification project for free zones.

In addition to the conference sessions, participants will attend the Association of Free Zones of the Americas General Assembly, visit the Cádiz free trade zone, take part in cultural activities, and participate in a session linked to the Blue Zone Forum-Innovazul, reinforcing the role of the Blue Economy in promoting sustainable development and internationalization.

The conference is expected to bring together delegates from the 22 Ibero-American countries, including the Dominican Republic, providing a platform to exchange best practices and strengthen regional cooperation on free zone development and international trade.