Panama Positioned for Business Success: Highlights from the 12th WFZO World Congress
Published: May 14, 2026
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The 12th World Free Zones Organization (WFZO) Annual Congress opened in Panama with an address by HE José Raúl Mulino Quintero, President of the Republic of Panama. He highlighted the country’s growing role as a global hub for trade, investment, and innovation.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, Chairman, World FZO, United Arab Emirates, who spoke about the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking strategies in shaping the future of free zones worldwide.
As the International Title Sponsor, IFZA is proud to champion the core pillars of Impact, Influence, and Trust, key drivers that will define the next decade of global free zone growth and innovation.
Why Panama Is Gaining Global Attention?
During a panel discussion, Patrick Kuehl, Director of Strategic Expansion at IFZA, shared insights on the evolving landscape of Free Zones. He highlighted Panama as a market that is well positioned for success and spoke about how the country’s fundamentals give it a strong competitive edge. He noted that “logistics infrastructure, access to talent, and access to a robust financial system are essential for any successful free zone, this is exactly why Panama is so well positioned.”
Panama has been gaining strong international attention as a business destination. For companies looking to expand internationally, the country offers several key advantages:
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Strategic Global Location
Panama connects major markets across the Americas and beyond. Its geographic position makes it an ideal base for companies looking to manage regional or global operations.
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World-Class Logistics Infrastructure
Home to the Panama Canal, one of the most important trade routes in the world, the country offers strong logistics capabilities. Ports, airports, and free zones support fast and efficient movement of goods.
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Business-Friendly Environment
Panama offers a relatively simple company setup process, along with investor-friendly policies. Many sectors are open to foreign ownership, making it easier for international businesses to enter the market.
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Growing Free Zone Ecosystem
Panama’s free zones continue to evolve, offering unmatched flexibility and support for businesses across industries. They provide an environment designed for growth, innovation, and cross-border trade.
As global business continues to evolve, Panama stands out as a premier destination that combines connectivity, stability, and opportunity.
IFZA: Your Business Partner in Panama
Navigating a business relocation, especially across borders, requires more than just information. It requires execution. That’s where IFZA Panama becomes essential. As part of a global network that has launched over 75,000 companies worldwide, IFZA offers fully managed business relocation services that simplify the complexities of international expansion. Whether you’re launching a new venture or relocating an established enterprise, IFZA offers an end-to-end platform that helps you move forward faster, smarter, and with full confidence. Explore IFZA’s business relocation support and discover how your company can thrive in Panama. Contact us!
