Claudia Pellerano, the esteemed president of the Free Zone Council of the Americas, has been re-elected as the president of the Association of Free Zones of the Americas (AZFA). Her re-election and the Dominican Republic’s leadership of the organization was confirmed during the Ibero-American Free Zones’ XXVII Conference in Curaçao. This conference brought together a significant representation of free zones across the continent, including Spain, public institutions, regional trade associations, and multilateral organizations.
The conference, a landmark event in the free zone industry, highlighted the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships in fostering economic growth and competitiveness. “Bringing together our key stakeholders here ensures that the topics we address will create the impact we expect and deserve. There is no greater recognition of the Association of Free Zones of the Americas’ work and its current role as an indispensable interlocutor for developing our respective countries,” Pellerano stated during her address. Her remarks underscored the importance of AZFA as a unifying force in the region’s economic landscape.
Strengthening Free Zones as Hubs of Competitiveness and Inclusion
Pellerano urged participants to support and enhance the role of free zone parks as ecosystems that drive competitiveness and inclusion. Despite global challenges, these zones continue to invest in economic development, create thousands of jobs, promote core values, and contribute to societal transformation and wealth generation.
“The continued investment and resilience shown by free zones during turbulent times demonstrate their unparalleled value to national and regional economies,” said Pellerano. She emphasized that with support from multilateral organizations and national associations, free zones could maintain their status as ideal environments for growth and development. These ecosystems drive innovation and are key enablers of sustainable development by integrating advanced technologies, promoting equitable labor practices, and fostering environmental stewardship. The Association of Free Zones of the Americas is pivotal in advancing these efforts by fostering regional cooperation and sharing best practices
Impact of Free Zones in the Americas
Free zones in the Americas are a cornerstone of economic activity. The region boasts over 800 free zone parks, housing over 12,000 companies. These zones generate over one million direct and two million indirect jobs, a testament to their significant role in regional employment. Furthermore, they have attracted more than $48 billion in foreign direct investment and contribute approximately $68.5 billion annually in exports. These figures highlight the transformative power of free zones in driving industrial development and international trade.
Claudia Pellerano emphasized the proven success of free zones, stating, “We are part of an industry that has consistently achieved technological transfers, advanced management practices, and knowledge sharing in each of our countries. This success is powered by human talent and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and well-being.” Her vision underscores the importance of nurturing talent and fostering inclusive practices as fundamental to the continued success of free zones. This goal aligns with the mission of the Association of Free Zones of the Americas.
A Platform for Networking and Knowledge Sharing
The XXVII Conference of Ibero-American Free Zones provided a unique platform for collaboration and dialogue among key industry players. Over three days, participants had the opportunity to engage with free zone operators, investors, government representatives, consultants, industry suppliers, and multilateral organizations. This exchange of ideas and best practices is expected to redefine the future of free zones in the region, enabling them to adapt to emerging global trends and challenges.
Sessions at the conference addressed various pressing issues, including digital transformation in free zones, sustainable economic practices, workforce development, and strategies to attract investment. Attendees explored innovative approaches to making free zones more attractive to investors and enhancing operational efficiency. The Association of Free Zones of the Americas continues to champion these efforts, positioning its members to lead in sustainable and technological advancements.
The presence of stakeholders from diverse sectors also emphasized the role of free zones as integrative economic models. With businesses and policymakers working in tandem, the free zone model can continue to evolve, aligning with global sustainability goals and technological advancements.
The Vision for the Future
Under Claudia Pellerano’s leadership, AZFA aims to further strengthen the role of free zones as drivers of economic and social progress. She called for collective action to ensure free zones remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing global economy. By fostering partnerships with multilateral organizations and leveraging regional expertise, AZFA seeks to position free zones as dynamic ecosystems that catalyze innovation, boost trade, and create opportunities for communities across the Americas.
The Association of Free Zones of the Americas envisions a future where its member organizations thrive economically and contribute meaningfully to inclusive growth and sustainable development. Pellerano concluded her remarks by expressing optimism about the future, emphasizing the untapped potential of free zones to create prosperity and drive inclusive growth. “Together, let us continue positioning free zones as one of the most effective ecosystems for development and competitiveness, ideal for the growth and advancement of our communities,” she declared.
The XXVII Conference reaffirmed free zones’ critical role in economic development and called on stakeholders to innovate, collaborate, and lead the way in shaping the future of trade and investment in the Americas. With the Association of Free Zones of the Americas at the helm, the free zone industry is poised for more significant achievements and enduring impact.