Is IFZA Building the World’s First Borderless Free Zone?

IFZA has taken a new step in its global journey by setting up a Global Advisory Board, a move aimed at supporting its international expansion and strengthening how it works with businesses across borders.

For many SMEs looking at international markets, free zones are no longer just physical locations. They are becoming gateways to growth, partnerships, and easier market access. IFZA’s new Board reflects that shift, positioning the organisation as more of a global business platform than a local setup.

The idea behind the Advisory Board is simple: bring experienced leaders into the conversation to guide IFZA as it expands in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. These regions are already seeing growing interest from entrepreneurs and SMEs that want smoother entry into international markets.

Instead of operating in isolation, IFZA wants advice from people who understand geopolitics, economic development, trade, and entrepreneurship from different angles. The Board will work closely with IFZA’s leadership to offer strategic input, flag risks, and connect the organisation to wider global networks.

Who’s on the Board

The Advisory Board brings together a mix of business and policy leaders:

• Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA, known for building and expanding businesses across multiple markets.

• Jochen Knecht, Group CEO of IFZA, who focuses on ecosystem development and global partner networks.

• Gerhard Schröder, Former Chancellor of Germany, offering experience in international relations and economic diplomacy.

• Christian Kern, Former Chancellor of Austria, with a background in infrastructure, innovation, and policy.

• Christoph Ahlhaus, Chairman of Der Mittelstand and President of the European SME Association, representing the interests of small and medium-sized businesses in Europe.

Together, they bring perspectives that range from government policy to hands-on SME advocacy, which is increasingly important as smaller companies look beyond their home markets.

Why it matters for SMEs

For entrepreneurs, global expansion often comes with questions around regulations, partnerships, stability, and long-term planning. IFZA’s Board is designed to help shape answers to those challenges at an institutional level.

Rather than focusing only on company formation, IFZA is working towards a connected ecosystem where businesses can scale, collaborate, and move between markets more easily. The Board will support this by:

• Advising on global business trends and risks

• Supporting long-term strategy

• Opening access to international partnerships

• Contributing expertise for targeted projects

• Acting as a sounding board for leadership decisions

The Board is expected to meet a few times a year, with additional sessions when priority issues come up.

Building a wider business network

As IFZA grows its presence across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, the aim is to create a system where local businesses can tap into global opportunities without unnecessary complexity. That means supporting foreign investment, helping entrepreneurs enter new markets, and building connections between emerging and established economies.

For SMEs, this shift is important. Access to the right networks and guidance often matters as much as funding or location. By adding a Global Advisory Board, IFZA is signalling that its future focus is not just on infrastructure, but on building relationships and frameworks that help businesses operate across borders with more clarity and support.

In a world where small and medium-sized companies are increasingly global from day one, IFZA’s move reflects a practical step toward making international expansion more structured, predictable, and accessible.