Oman highlights free zone strategy at Panama forum

PANAMA CITY: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the 12th World Free Zones Organisation Conference in Panama under the theme “Free Zones in the New Global Operating Model: Challenges and Opportunities”.
The Omani delegation was led by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), who stressed during the ministerial roundtable that rapid geopolitical and economic shifts require a new operating model for economic and free zones based on flexibility, efficiency and resilient supply chains.
Al Yousef said Oman is developing its economic and free zones into integrated platforms capable of supporting trade, investment and industrial growth while adapting to fast-changing global conditions. He noted that the Sultanate of Oman’s strategic location, advanced ports and infrastructure, as well as its network of economic, industrial and free zones, have strengthened its standing as a regional hub for logistics, trade and value-added industries.
He also highlighted the Authority’s commitment to expanding international partnerships and adopting global best practices to enhance the competitiveness of Oman’s special economic zones and free zones in support of economic diversification goals.
Oman additionally took part in the annual general assembly meetings of the World Free Zones Organisation, where members discussed the organisation’s priorities amidst changing global economic and geopolitical conditions. Several initiatives and programmes were adopted during the meetings.
The participation comes after the Authority officially joined the World Free Zones Organisation in July 2025, a step aimed at strengthening international economic cooperation and attracting high-quality investments to Oman’s special economic zones, industrial cities and free zones.
On the sidelines of the conference, Al Yousef held bilateral meetings with heads of participating delegations to explore investment partnerships, exchange expertise and discuss opportunities for cooperation in the development and management of economic and free zones. — ONA