Hainan province's remarkable journey as China's flagship free trade port under the Belt and Road Initiative offers "a real-time case study in innovation, institutional reform, and global connectivity", the chairman of the World Free Zones Organization said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

Mohammed Al Zarooni, chairman of the World FZO, said the 11th Annual World FZO World Congress, which concluded in Haikou, Hainan province, on Sunday, drew global attention to "the island's pioneering role as a high-level free trade port and a dynamic hub for trade, sustainability, and innovation".

Held for the first time in China, this year's congress marked a historic moment, Zarooni said, adding that the World FZO is the world's largest and most influential network of free zones, uniting over 1,600 members from 141 countries and regions.

"It reflects not only the World FZO's expanding global footprint and commitment to international collaboration, but also China's growing leadership in global trade reform, sustainability, and digital transformation," Zarooni said.

According to him, with more than 1,000 delegates from over 70 countries, the event underscores Asia's growing role in shaping the future of global trade. "We see it as a celebration of how free zones can drive prosperity and cooperation across regions through shared vision and innovation."

Under the theme "Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation," the congress highlights the evolving function of free zones—from traditional trade facilitators to innovation ecosystems that support small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices.

"Free zones now account for nearly 20 percent of global trade and generate more than 90 million jobs across over 3,500 zones worldwide," Zarooni said, adding that they are transforming into dynamic ecosystems that nurture small and medium-sized enterprises, foster entrepreneurship, and integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance competitiveness.

During the congress, the World FZO announced a major global initiative: the launch of the Global Free Zones Research Institute, co-established with the China Institute for Reform and Development.

"We are committed to empowering free zones with the knowledge, partnerships, and tools to thrive amid rapid changes in global trade," Zarooni said. "Through collaboration and innovation, we can build resilient, future-ready zones that drive prosperity for all."