14/05/2026
IFZA Director for Strategic Expansion, Patrick Kuehl , joined a panel on “Global Gateways: Redefining the Future of Trade and Connectivity” at World Free Zones Organization World Congress 2026, spotlighting resilience through connectivity, platforms, and policy alignment.
Kuehl emphasized, “Free Zones are anchors of resilience in a fragmented world. To build stronger economies, we must empower SMEs at scale - evolving Free Zones from trade facilitators into architects of transformation and global connectivity.”
With a network of 2,500+ partners, IFZA enables SMEs to operate seamlessly across borders and adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape. The session also highlighted the growing role of digital trade, paperless processes, and streamlined regulations in strengthening value chains.
Discover more about the session here: https://ifza.com/en/patrick-kuehl-ifza-free-zones-future-trade-connectivity/
Speaking alongside Patrick were:
* Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General, IRU, Switzerland
* Simon Sonoo, Group Senior Vice President – Parks and Economic Zones, DP World, United Arab Emirates
* Angel Alberto Sanchez Chiappetto, President, FIATA, Switzerland
* Dr. Paul Kent, Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Ports and Logistics, Monument Economics Group, USA
* And Ivana Fernandes Duarte, Central America Regional Country Manager, The International Finance
Corporation (IFC), Panama who moderated the panel