Oman joins World Free Zones Organization to enhance competitiveness, promote investment

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) in Oman has officially become a member of the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), an entity committed to the advancement and support of free and economic zones globally. This membership aligns seamlessly with the Authority’s continuous efforts to bolster the competitiveness of the special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities under its jurisdiction. Read More.

Argentina free trade zone plans to attract data center investments

The Bahía Blanca-Coronel Rosales free trade zone, located in Buenos Aires province, is planning to attract investments with a new IT park focused on data centers. "We are creating the competitive conditions necessary for these investments to occur," Pablo Amarelle, the head of Zona Sur, which manages the free trade zone, told BNamericas. Zona Sur was created by Bahía Blanca port operator GSPBB and public electric power company CEPA, which serves Punta Alta city. Read More.

Pakistan

Rising together: Türkiye-Pakistan special economic zone

In a landmark step that could reshape regional trade and connectivity, Pakistan and Türkiye recently announced the establishment of a special economic zone (SEZ) in Karachi exclusively for Turkish entrepreneurs. Planned in Pakistan’s commercial capital and main port city, the SEZ can serve as a dedicated hub for Turkish companies in various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, technology and services. Read More.

United Kingdom

The UK’s junior minister for local growth on consolidating the country’s free zones

The UK’s Labour government came to power in July 2024 promising change. One example is the UK’s special economic zones — freeports, investment zones and enterprise zones. Alex Norris, the UK’s under-secretary of housing, communities and local government who oversees the SEZ and local growth programme, is driving this action plan. He speaks to fDi about how the new ‘industrial strategy zone’ action plan will work with devolution and local growth plans. Read More.

United States

Free Trade Zone Strategy Expands U.S. Exports

Jiangxi Province Foreign Affairs Official inspects U.S. products at the Nanchang Free Trade Zone (FTZ). The United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) is helping U.S. dietary supplement companies expand exports to China through partnerships with FTZs, e-commerce accelerators, and US. Contract manufacturers and brands. In three years, this strategy has supported $9.3 million in U.S. export sales to China. Read More.

Vietnam

Free trade zones hoped to give boost to economic growth

Many Vietnamese localities are now ambitiously planning to form free trade zones (FTZs), with the aim of creating breakthroughs in economic growth. At a recent meeting with enterprises and investors, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Quoc Nam stated that the province is studying the model for the Khanh Hoa Free Trade Zone, with a desire to create a gateway for marine economic development linked with high-end international services. Read More.

AI in Logistics Industry: Key Benefits and Use Cases

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer over the past decade, revolutionizing various sectors with its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, automate processes, and enhance decision-making. From healthcare to finance, AI’s impact has been profound, but one of the most transformative effects can be seen in the logistics industry.  Read More.