The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ) has just concluded participation at the 5th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) organised by the World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO), at the Palau De Congressos De Barcelona, Spain.

The world-class services, business incentives and competitive advantages publishers from around the world can enjoy at SPCFZ – the world’s first publishing and printing free zone – were all highlighted by the travelling delegation to free zone officials and partners from 73 countries at the three-day event.

Held annually, AICE brings the global free zone community together to share best practices, examine solutions to current challenges faced by free zones, and foster public awareness around free zones’ role and contribution to economic expansion.

Salim Omar Salim, Director of SPCFZ, noted this was one of their most significant representations on an international platform in 2019, simply because it is the only industry event dedicated exclusively to free zones and their global activities.

“It was fantastic to be able to showcase SPCFZ’s pioneering concept for the global publishing sector to nearly 75 partners and free zone officials from around the world. The role of free zones has been gaining increasing importance, given the current economic situation in some of our leading economies worldwide. Led by World FZO, the AICE offers unparalleled access to training, intelligence, expertise and data, and we were fortunate to be among extremely important discussions that were had during the conference.

“SPCFZ is keen to strengthen its relationships with the global network of free zones, and maintain strong communication with key international decision makers who impact business, trade and investments. We believe that the establishment of a strong international network and by increasing SPCFZ’s appeal as a leading hub for publishing and printing businesses from the region and beyond, we will be successfully furthering Sharjah’s vision to invest in knowledge and secure the future of humanity,” remarked Salim.

Sharjah Publishing City was established in 2017 as the world’s very first publishing free zone offering those in the book industry the opportunity to capitalise on an array of benefits emerging from operating within a free zone environment. Further benefits also include the ideal location at the epicentre of the globe with all the advantages of having the MENA, African and Asian region’s marketplace to hand.