| Event: | SEVENTH ANNUAL
WORLD FREE ZONE CONVENTION | |
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| Date: | Week of the 4TH November 2007 |
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| Venue: | Renaissance KUALA LUMPUR Hotel, MALAYSIA
With the support of the Port Klang Authority |
TWO DAY INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE
UPDATED programme 19 October
THEMES
THE GROWTH OF FREE ZONES AROUND THE GLOBE - LESSONS FROM THE DYNAMISM OF THE FAR EAST
DAY ONE - TUESDAY 6th NOVEMBER
INTRODUCTION
09.00 Welcome:
Mr. Graham Mather, Chairman, WFZC
Hon. Dato' Chor Chee Heung, Chairman, Port Klang Authority, Malaysia
09.10 Keynote address:
10.00 SESSION 1
ZONE DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGIONS
- GLOBAL - ASIA - AFRICA - S. AMERICA - BENCHMARKING THE ZONES
Free zones and special economic zones continue to develop apace around the globe. China, India, Pakistan and Malaysia are among Asian economies forging ahead with the concept. In Africa there are developments in Nigeria, Botswana and Kenya amongst other countries. In Latin America there are a large number of successful zones: existing zones are expanding and new ones are constantly being formed. The new states of central and Eastern Europe are also exploiting the free zone concept vigorously. In many cases, governments and zone operators are talking bilaterally to potential partners about ways in which their zone programmes can cooperate in boosting direct trade. Our expert speakers from around the world will report on these developments and share their expertise on the fast moving pace of change, the new forms of zones which are being established, the lessons which are being learnt at high speed around the world and the new bilateral contacts. For the first time at a WFZC event this session will also "benchmark" the different zones around the world.
13.00 Lunch
14.30 SESSION 2
INCENTIVES FOR RELOCATION OR FOR NEW ENTERPRISES – A COMPARISON
- Duties and Taxes & the WTO
- Location decisions: Companies on the move
- Policies, Incentives and Facilities for the manufacturing and related services sectors
- Developing Zones and Links in the knowledge sector
Governments and zone promoters are very aware of the international rules on a level playing field in trade issues. At previous World Free Zone Conventions we have engaged directly with officials from leading international bodies to ensure that zones are up to date on the regulatory approaches and attitudes of the international organisations and agencies. Such sessions have been found to be extremely reassuring to well-conducted zones and the growth and expansion of the zone movement around the world is an encouraging development in this regard.
This year high-level speakers will address the types of incentives and approaches to taxes and customs duties which can be found in the many countries with zone programmes. Every zone keeps a close watch on the key factors that influence companies making location decisions and WFZC has an excellent track record in bringing location consultants and experts to exchange ideas with zones themselves on the key factors that attract companies in the globalised world economy. This year we will have private and public sector advice on these key elements in investment and location decisions.
WFZC has also shown how zones can change from bulk commodity transportation to high added value in the knowledge sector whether in science, technology, service and call centres or otherwise at the forefront of innovation. This we will be joined by some of the leading figures from the most advanced free zones and the most distinguished experts in modern management and consultancy.
17.30 CLOSE OF DAY ONE
19.00 Reception and Dinner sponsored by Port Klang Authority
DAY TWO - WEDNESDAY 7th NOVEMBER
9.15 SESSION 3
CURRENT POLICY (Legal and Economic) ISSUES AFFECTING ZONES
- PPP and institutional arrangements for zone ownership and operations
- Asset management/valuation and land scarcity issues for planned and
expanding zones
- Labour certification and other current employment issues
- Practical aspects of fast tracking the commercial viability of Free Zones
How should zone operations best be financed and structured and what support is available from the private and public sectors around the world? Increasingly public-private partnerships form a way forward in which close cooperation between the public bodies, infrastructure providers, educational and other institutions, regions and municipalities come together with private consultants, experts and operating companies. This session brings a leading group of such experts to assess the latest developments in this field.
Property markets around the world are volatile and successful zone in operation goes hand in hand with a keen eye on land values, planning regimes, infrastructure development and financing, warehouse and office development and many other aspects of the property market. In a special session geared to planning and expanding zones, expert in the property market will focus on these issues.
Labour supply of high quality and proper motivation remains critical to the success of zones and their ability to offer terms and conditions which are second to none in their areas is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the free zone system around the world. WFZC has worked closely with the International Labour Organisation in Geneva and he has calibrated job creation by zones as well as offering sounds advice to zones on the best was to formulate labour market strategies.
12.45 Lunch
14.00 SESSION 4
BEST PRACTICES OF ZONE OPERATIONS
- World Customs Developments and how they impact on Zones
- Anti-fraud / counterfeiting
- Lobbying and PR
Zones need to work hand in hand with national customs authorities if they are to maximise efficiency and streamline output. WFZC has pioneered a relationship with the World Customs Organisation which has resulted in leading customs officials joining WFZC meetings to exchange ideas and learn about the concerns of zones, while zones have received sound advice from friendly and supportive customs officials. This aspect continues to require close attention and we will have both an Asian and a US perspective on the latest developments.
One of the key issues which every zone has to take into account is international policy and regulatory concern at the spread of counterfeiting. The reputation of important economies can be at risk if counterfeiting seems to be unchecked and it can be a major impediment to successful trade opening. We have special review of the latest developments in counterfeiting and anti-fraud policy.
Since WFZC came into existence, the image of free zones around the world has been transformed. The original criticisms of and the tax upon zones has significantly diminished in volume; countries with existing zone programmes have been proudly promoting them whilst new countries have been emulating established zones and developing programmes to catch up. WFZC has played a part in disseminating information about the success of zones, engaging in close discussion with key officials, whose attitudes affect the future of zones, and acting as an exchange centre for well-led zones. It is fitting that this Convention should conclude with a focus on the importance of promotional and public relations work, both for individual zones and for the zone movement around the world
17.00 Chairman's Summing Up
CLOSE OF TWO DAY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
SPEAKERS WILL COME FROM AROUND THE WORLD, FROM INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND
AUTHORITES, THEIR ADVISERS, CORPORATES AND CONSULTANCIES.
SPEAKERS LIST - In order of appearance
A full panel of more than 30 international experts and speakers has been
assembled and these include:
Mr John Evans Managing Director, Tractus, Bangkok, Thailand
Mr Jim O.Gara Senior Vice President &
Ms Reem Aloul Vice President, The Services Group, Arlington, USA
Mr Randy Campbell President, Campbell Trade Group Inc., York Foreign Trade Zone, Pennsylvania, USA
Mr Hans Vermij Senior Manager, DHV Environment & Transportation, Amersfoot, The Netherlands
Mr John Hanna Managing Director, GDPGlobal, London, UK
Y.B.Dato' Sri Chan Kong Choy Minister of Transport, Malaysia
Mr Gokhan Akinci FIAS, International Finance Corporation, World Bank, Washington DC, USA
Mr Ronnie Bryant Chairman, International Economic Development Council, Washington, DC, USA
Hon.Y.B. Mr Teng Chang Yeow Chairman, State Tourism Development Committee, Malaysia
Mr Chia Kon Leong General Manager (Business Development) Port Klang Free Zone, Malaysia
Mr Li Pengnan Vice Chairman, China Free Trade Zone and Export Processing Zone Association, Beijing, China
Mr. T. Vasu Director (Corp Services) Celetronix India/Jabil India and Chairman, Export Promotion Council for SEZs and EOUs Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India
Mr Tan Juay Hiang Senior Vice President, Ascendas, Singapore
Mr Charles Ugwu Hon. Minister for Commerce and Industry Government of Nigeria
Dr Noble Abe Chairman and CEO, Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Mr Chris Ndibe Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (Chairman and General Secretary, Africa Free Zone Association)
Mr Hector Vargas President, Comite de las Zonas Francas de las Americas, CZFA, Costa Rica (invited)
Mr Willard Berry President, National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ), USA
Ms Radha Menon Director, Strategic Planning & International Co-operation Division, Malaysian Industrial Development Authority MIDA, Malaysia
Mr Raul Torres Legal Affairs Officer, World Trade Organisation Geneva, Switzerland
Mr Zhong Weilin Vice Director, Waigaoqiao Bonded Zone, Shanghai, China
Professor Connie Carter Professor of Law, Faculty of Management Royal Roads University, Victoria B.C. Canada
Mr Ross O.Brien Director, ICT, Intercedent, Singapore
Mr Jean Paul Gauthier Senior Manager, Emerging Markets Trade, Law & Commerce Group, BearingPoint, McLean, VA, USA, formerly with FIAS, IFC, Washington DC
Representative of The International Labour Organisation, Geneva Switzerland
Mr Tony Restall Managing Director, Development Services International Ltd. Thailand
Mr Yew Chin Heong Senior Assistant Director, Royal Malaysian Customs
Mr Ong Boo Seng Partner, IP & IT Department, Shook Lin & Bok, Kuala Lumpur
H.E. Dr Taha Ahmad Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Jordan
Mr Bernard Teo General Manager, China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Co. Ltd. Singapore Office
EXHIBITION and SPONSORSHIPS
Tuesday 6th November 2007
For Exhibitors and Sponsors to meet participants during the 2 days of Convention. Please contact the WFZC office for more details
INVESTORS' DAY
Monday 5th November 2007
For the third time the organisers are also inviting investors to meet participants to the Convention. PARTICIPANTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A
30 MINUTE PRESENTATION TO SHOWCASE THEIR OWN ORGANISATION ON INVESTORS' DAY. Please contact the WFZC office for more details
IPAWorld 2007 WEBSITE AWARDS
All registered delegates are automatically entered for these prestigious awards (See
Website Awards for more information)
TRAINING COURSE & WORKSHOPS
Delegates only are invited to participate in the optional training courses and the half-day workshops which have been planned on the two days prior to the Two Day International Conference.
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Course A
2-DAY TRAINING COURSE
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Sunday 4th November 2007
Part One
INVESTOR ATTRACTION METHODS
Presented by Tractus, Thailand
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Monday 5th November 2007
Part Two
DEVELOPING A ONE STOP SHOP
- LATEST THINKING AND TECHNIQUES
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Workshop B
1-DAY WORKSHOP
Sunday 4th November 2007
HOW ZONES SHOULD ORGANISE AND OPERATE A COMPLIANCE PROGRAMME
- incorporating the concepts of SAFE, C-TPAT, and other International Best Practices
Presented by Campbell Trade Group Inc. York, Pennsylvania, USA
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Workshop C
Monday 5th November 2007 (Morning)
HALF DAY WORKSHOPS
DEVELOPING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS WITH COUNTRIES IN ASIA
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Workshop D
Monday 5th November 2007 (Afternoon)
HALF DAY WORKSHOPS
ZONES AND SUPPLY CHAINS
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WFZC are delighted to announce that the first 30 registrant organisations will be entitled to a special benchmarking report as part of their delegate fee. This includes a 10 point assessment from GDP Global's Zone Advisory Panel of zone development experts, financiers, direct investors and consultancies. More information at
Each report will be prepared by GDP Global and would normally be charged at US$ 2,500.
John Hanna, Managing Director, will be conducting a
ZONES BENCHMARKING MASTER CLASS, free of charge, between 18.00 and 20.00 hrs. on Monday 5th November. GDP Global is the leading international consulting firm for the continuous benchmarking of economic zones; also national, city and regional economic promotion agencies. It organizes the annual monitoring & evaluation of more than 200 government agencies and more than 100 of the world's leading special economic and free zones.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION
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Accommodation |
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Delegate Fees |
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| 5th November |
INVESTORS' DAY PRESENTATIONS |
Price on application |
| 6th and 7th November |
2-DAY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE (inc. refreshments & lunch) |
£ 1,100 LDC £ 935 |
| 4th and 5th November |
TWO-DAY TRAINING COURSE (inc. refreshments & lunch) - Course A |
£ 700 LDC £ 595 |
| 4th November |
ONE-DAY TRAINING WORKSHOPS (inc. refreshments & lunch) - Workshop B |
£ 500 LDC £ 425 |
| 5th November |
HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS (inc. refreshments & lunch) - Workshop C or D |
£ 300 LDC £ 255 |
Delegates may also attend the Investors' Day presentations on the 5th November free of charge.
All fees quoted are in Pounds Sterling and include full documentation, lunches, mid-session refreshments and entrance to the Investors' Day.
DISCOUNTS
1. Earlybird Cut Off Date: 31st August 2007 -20%
Please note that all Earlybird payments must be received by the 16th September to qualify. Any Earlybird registration fee not received by that date will revert to the full price (less any LDC discounts).
2. Each second and subsequent delegate invoiced from the same organisation -15% on the two day conference fees
3. Each delegate from LDC status countries -15% on the two day conference fees
Only one discount may be applied for in respect of each delegate.
OR email us at info@freezones.org to register or to request any additional information
ON RECEIPT OF YOUR REGISTRATION WE WILL FORWARD OUR INVOICE FOR PAYMENT BY BANK TRANSFER OR CHEQUE. FEES ARE PAYABLE BEFORE THE DATE OF THE MEETING - THE ORGANISERS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMISSION IF PAYMENT HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED.
Please contact us before the event if for any reason you have not received written acknowledgment of your registration, details of the venue and any requested accommodation reservations, plus your invoice
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing 21 days prior to the event and will be subject to a 15% cancellation fee unless a substitute delegate is nominated. If less than 21 days notice is given no refunds will be available, however substitutions will still be accepted. The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the content and timing of the programme, or any other aspect of the event, when unavoidable. Our liability in the unlikely event of a cancellation will be limited to a refund of the full conference fee.
| CONFERENCE ORGANISERS |
The International Conference Network |
WORLD FREE ZONE CONVENTION, 35 Spring Gardens, London SW1YA 2BA, U.K.
Tel +44 20 7839 1334 Fax +44 870 131 9578 Email info@freezones.org
Convention Sponsors include
Media Sponsors
Partners
