Barcelona leads global trade: Zona Franca receives historic OECD Security and Transparency Certificate

 

The city of Barcelona has witnessed a historic event for international trade. The Barcelona Free Trade Zone (ZFB) has been officially certified by the OECD , becoming the first free trade zone in the world to meet the organization's rigorous security and transparency standards. This achievement was celebrated during the first Forum on Combating Illicit Trade , an event that brought together global trade leaders and experts at the OECD headquarters in Paris.

 

The OECD certificate recognizes ZFB's commitment to innovation, Industry 4.0, and sustainability , as well as its dedication to transparency in management and security in international trade . This recognition is the result of a thorough evaluation and collaborative process between ZFB, the OECD, certification bodies, and industry professionals.

 

 

Ximo Puig, Spain's ambassador to the OECD , stated: "Cooperation is key to mitigating illicit trade, and creating a trade certification system like this was essential. The companies that have established themselves in the Barcelona Free Trade Zone not only promote the technology industry, but by adhering to the certification, they also demonstrate transparency and security. This is something we encourage all free trade zones worldwide to do."

 

Pere Navarro , the State's Special Delegate to the CZFB , said: "It is an honor to receive this certification, which positions the Barcelona Free Trade Zone as the leading international benchmark in our area of ​​operation: logistics and industry. In a world as rapidly changing as ours, it is more important than ever to have a certification like this that guarantees good governance, transparency, security, and best practices in international trade."

 

Blanca Sorigué, CEO of the CZFB , commented: “With this distinction, the Barcelona Free Zone demonstrates the transformative potential of free zones worldwide. We are a hub for investment, talent development, and economic growth, not only for each region but also globally. I am grateful and also share the success of being the first free zone with this certification: together we work every day for the economic and social progress not only of Barcelona and its metropolitan area but also nationally and globally.”

 

Marion Jansen, OECD Director of Trade and Agriculture , said: “The certification of the Barcelona Free Zone marks a milestone in international standards of transparency and good governance practices in global trade. This achievement demonstrates the free zone’s commitment, setting a model for other free zones around the world.”

 

The first Forum on Combating Illicit Trade served as the setting for the awarding of the certificate, underscoring the importance of addressing the challenges of global trade , including counterfeiting, illicit trafficking, and a lack of transparency. With this certification, the OECD seeks to promote fair and secure trade, encouraging other free trade zones to adopt similar practices.

 

This certification is the result of close collaboration between the Barcelona Free Trade Zone and the OECD. Over the past three months, the Barcelona Free Trade Zone opened its doors to serve as a pilot project, helping develop the technical aspects of the certification.