President Luis Abinader is scheduled to travel to Panama on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, to deliver the keynote address at the 12th Annual World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) AICE World Congress. The high-level event, running from Tuesday, 12 May to Wednesday, 13 May 2026, serves as the premier global platform for free trade zone authorities and logistics experts. The previous conference took place in China.
The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) is the host of this international gathering. The event gathers high-level officials, policymakers, free zone leaders, investors, and industry experts from around the world to exchange perspectives, share experiences, and shape the future of free zones and special economic regimes.
President Abinader’s agenda is focused on aggressive investment attraction, specifically targeting specialized free zone sectors. He is slated to meet with logistics and manufacturing executives to pitch the Dominican Republic as a primary destination for capital. Furthermore, Abinader will hold a meeting with Panama’s top business leadership to highlight the Dominican Republic’s position as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies.
In addition to the investment forum, President Abinader will hold a bilateral meeting with his Panamanian counterpart, President José Raúl Mulino, to discuss regional cooperation.
Other members of the Dominican delegation are Minister of Industry and Commerce Eduardo (Yayo) Sanz Lovaton; Biviana Riveiro, executive director of ProDominicana and Dominican ambassador to Panama Roberto Salcedo.
Why the Congress matters for the Dominican Republic
Participation in this congress is a strategic priority for the Dominican Republic. As the Dominican Republic shifts toward “nearshoring” and high-tech manufacturing (such as medical devices and electronics), this event is an opportunity to network to solidify the country’s status as a regional logistics hub.
Likewise, Panama and the Dominican Republic are the two strongest logistics players in the Caribbean basin. Strengthening ties at this conference allows for better integration of maritime and air cargo routes. The Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana International Airport is a major connector port for the region, with the most international carriers, followed by Panama’s international airport. Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International follows closely.
Free zones currently account for over 60% of the Dominican Republic’s total exports.
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World FZO
Presidency
12 May 2026