Top free zone experts to address Freezex 2003 Conference

Freezex 2003 is being presented by the organisers as an economic development and business platform designed to provide a two way, worldwide investment opportunity in which free & special economic zones (SEZs), science & technology parks (STPs), government departments/authorities connected with attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), investors and financial institutions dealing with investment flow have an important role to play. The focal point of Freezex 2003 will be the "Investment Pavilion" which will assist participants to seek advice on institutional investments for their free zones/SEZs/STPs. Freezex 2003 is being held alongside The Autumn Fair which attracts about 700 companies from 25 countries and 15000 trade visitors from about 50 countries. Each one of them is a potential investor.

Freezex 2003 Conference will be a learning opportunity where free zone/SEZ/STP operators can learn how to develop, operate and market their free zones/SEZs/STPs more effectively. It will also be a networking opportunity where free zone/SEZ/STP operators can meet and do business with government officials, their counterparts from other free zones/SEZs/STPs, investors, venture capitalists, planners, consultants, infra-structure builders, logistics & distribution companies, investment/industrial banks and insurance companies.

Speaking during the inaugural session on "Free Zones as Tools of Development" will be Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, Dubai, Mr. Denis Belisle, Executive Director, United Nations International Trade Centre and Mr. Ahmed bin Byat, Director General, Dubai Technology, Electronic Commerce and Media Free Zone Authority.

The first technical session is devoted to "Free Zones - Concepts & Philosophies", "The Impact of Free Zones on Economic Welfare and Growth", "Free Zone Finance", "Helping Investors and Emerging Economies" and "Investment Network". Speakers include Mr. Friedrich von Kirchbach from the United Nations International Trade Centre, Dr. Nora Balzarotti, Economist, Mr. Andrew W. Larsson and Dr. Christophe S. Bellinger from the World Bank Group and Dr. Arvind Mayaram from the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies.

The second technical session is devoted to "Science and Technology Parks", "Technology Parks & National Development" and "Dubai Silicon Oasis". Speakers include Dr. Luis Sanz from the International Association of Science Parks, Dr. Shihab M. Ghanem from Dubai's Mohammad bin Rashid Technology Park and Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Al Zarouni from Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority.

The third technical session is devoted to "Free Zones Management", "Port Management" and "Airport Management". Speakers include Dr. Helson Braga from the Brazilian Export Processing Zones Association, Sokhna Port Development Company, Egypt, Mr. Santiago G. Mila from Port Authority of Barcelona and Ms. Anita Mehra Homayoun from Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation.

The fourth technical session is devoted to "The Future Free Zones", "International Standards", "Training Programmes" and "Summit Presentations". Presenters and panelists have been drawn from the WTO, UN-ITC, UNIDO, UNCTAD, The World Bank Group, World Federation of Free Zones, SGS, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, Grupo Bermudez, Mexico and participating delegations.

The fifth technical session is devoted to "Case Studies of Successful Free Zones" and "Gulf Free Zones". The valedictory session on "The Way Forward" will be addressed by Dr. Juan Torrents, President, World Federation of Free Zones.

34 countries including the World Bank Group, WTO, UNCTAD, UN-ITC, World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, Lappeenranta City and Lappeenranta Free Zone Ltd., Finland, Riga City Council, Latvia, Krasnodar Region, Russia, Barcelona Port, Port Authority of Trieste, Italy, Port of Beirut, Lebanon, Sokhna Port Development Company, Egypt, Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and free zones/authorities from Croatia, Yugoslavia, Romania, Ukraine, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroun, Republic of Angola, Kenya, Tanzania, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Kuwait, UAE, Iran, Pakistan, India, Mongolia, China, Korea and Taiwan have so far confirmed participation.

Freezex 2003 has received the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Minister of Defence, United Arab Emirates and Chairman of Dubai's free zones and the Main Sponsorship of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. The organisers have signed an MOU with the Geneva based World Federation of Free Zones to be their "International Partner" and organise the Freezex 2003 Conference.