Davos: The International Free Zone Authority AG (IFZA) and IHC, a global investment company, have announced a strategic partnership at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026. This collaboration is set to enhance globally connected, future-ready business ecosystems and develop next-generation economic infrastructure in various international markets.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership brings together IFZA’s vast international network, which includes over 65,000 businesses and 2,500 authorized agents, with IHC’s significant position as a major investment company boasting over 1,400 subsidiaries and a market capitalization of USD 239 billion. The collaboration aims to blend IFZA’s comprehensive experience in establishing free zones with IHC’s expertise in building and operating complex infrastructure projects.
The partnership was formalized at the IHC House in Davos, where Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, and Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA, signed the agreement. The focus of their collaboration will be on co-developing globally connected business platforms to facilitate companies’ expansion across borders and access to new markets.
IFZA’s operations span Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, providing regulatory insight and operational agility. This complements IHC’s strengths in developing large-scale initiatives with a robust governance framework. The partnership reflects the alignment of IFZA’s business enablement expertise with IHC’s investment capabilities in building dynamic value networks.
Martin G. Pedersen highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing the combined strengths of IFZA and IHC in creating sustainable free zones and special economic platforms. Syed Basar Shueb added that the collaboration focuses on specific economic development initiatives where their shared expertise can generate measurable, long-term impact, incorporating advanced technologies and business enablers.
Announced during the World Economic Forum in Davos, this partnership positions free zones and special economic zones as interconnected global platforms that support trade, investment, and innovation while aligning public and private sector objectives. It underscores a commitment to developing scalable economic infrastructure in response to a changing global economy.
As the global community seeks new models for cooperation and growth, IFZA and IHC are leading the way by working together on high-impact projects that enable businesses to expand across borders with resilience and purpose.