At the invitation of the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), on 13 June 2022 WCO Deputy Secretary General Mr. Ricardo Treviño Chapa delivered a keynote speech at the Annual Conference of the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones (GASEZ), held in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. James Zhan, Director of UNCTAD’s Division of Investment and Enterprise and Co-Chair of GASEZ, and Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World Free Zones Organization and Co-Chair of GASEZ. Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, delivered welcoming remarks.

In his keynote speech, the Deputy Secretary General highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration and coordination between Customs administrations and special economic zones. He emphasized the need to involve Customs administrations throughout the entire process of authorization and implementation of special economic zones and their operators.

He congratulated the organizers and coordinators of the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones on their efforts, led by the World FZO and UNCTAD.

During his visit to Montego Bay, the DSG also met and held open dialogue with several heads of special economic zones and associations of special economic zones in Latin America and the Caribbean.