The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition Participates in the 12th World Free Zone Organization World Congress in Panama
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Press Release
The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition Participates in the 12th World Free Zone Organization World Congress in Panama
The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition represented the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 12th World Free Zone Organization World Congress, held in Panama City, Panama from May 12th to May 14th, 2026.
The Turks and Caicos Islands delegation consisted of Ms. Licia Grant, Director of Trade, and Mrs. Florice Forbes-Walkin, Senior Trade Officer, who attended presentations, discussions and networking engagements focused on trade, investment, logistics, and economic zone development.
The World Free Zone Conference is one of the leading global platforms dedicated to the advancement of free zones, special economic zones (SEZs), trade facilitation, investment promotion, logistics, and economic development. The annual conference brings together government officials, policymakers, trade analysts, investors, free zone authorities, international organizations, and private sector leaders from across the world to discuss emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping global trade and investment.
This year’s conference attracted over 35 Heads of State and Ministers, as well as 2000 registered participants from over 70 countries and territories across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, reflecting on the growing global importance of economic and free zones as engines for trade, innovation, manufacturing, logistics and services development.
The participation of the Turks and Caicos Islands at the conference forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to explore innovative approaches to trade development, economic diversification, supply chain resilience and investment attraction mechanisms under the national trade and economic transformation agenda. The event was particularly instructive as topics explored how Tourism Special Economic Zones and Agri-Special Economic Zones have played a crucial role in driving trade for successful economies. Discussions were also held with representatives of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), regarding resources that may be accessed to assist with transforming the country’s trade capabilities and the World Free Zones Organization about emerging partnership programmes that the country can participate in to boost trade and investment.
Commenting on the event, the Director of Trade stated that, “The discussions and presentations held reinforced the significant potential that Special Economic and Free Zones can have in helping the Turks and Caicos Islands diversify its economy, create new opportunities, attract sustainable investment, and strengthen our position within the regional and global economy. As many countries across the Caribbean increase its advancement in this area, individually and through related associations, it is important that the Turks and Caicos Islands also position itself, based on its own unique selling proposition, to remain competitive and build a more resilient and prosperous future for generations to come.”
The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition remains committed to strengthening the country’s participation in regional and international trade initiatives while adapting and advancing trade-related policies that promote sustainable economic growth, resilience, and long-term prosperity for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For more information regarding this event or any other Department initiatives, please contact the Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition:
Phone: (649) 338-3703
Email: tradetci@gov.tc
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