IFZA, the Swiss-based global arm of the IFZA network, and IHC, a global investment company, has unveiled a landmark strategic partnership at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland.
The partnership marks a significant step toward advancing globally connected, future ready business ecosystems and developing next generation economic infrastructure across multiple international markets.
The Agreement was signed at the IHC House in Davos by Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, and Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA. The collaboration brings together two globally established institutions. IFZA contributes its international network of over 65,000 businesses, 2,500 authorized agents, and operations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.
IHC adds its position as one of the world’s largest investment companies, with a diversified portfolio of 1,400+ subsidiaries, a market capitalization of $239 billion, and deep expertise in building, scaling, and operating complex platforms and infrastructure projects.
Together, IFZA and IHC will collaborate on specific free zone and special economic zone projects, with a number of countries already under active discussion. These initiatives are intended to support cross-border trade, investment flows, and long-term economic development through carefully designed, well governed business ecosystems.
At its core, the IFZA-IHC collaboration is focused on the co-development of globally connected business platforms that enable companies to expand across borders, access new markets, and operate with confidence amid geopolitical and economic change.
Martin G. Pedersen Chairman – IFZA
“This partnership represents a defining moment in how economic platforms are designed, built, and sustained across borders. By working with IHC on clearly defined projects, we are combining IFZA’s globally connected business ecosystems and operational expertise with IHC’s strong diversified ecosystem and access to capital. Together we will develop free zones and special economic platforms that create long-term and sustainable value and success. This collaboration is about building the right infrastructure, in the right markets, with the right partners.”
Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said that, “At IHC, we focus on partnerships grounded in shared ambition and practical execution. Our collaboration with IFZA is centered on specific economic development initiatives where our combined expertise can create measurable, long-term impact. Alongside IFZA, we are bringing IHC’s experience across advanced technologies and business enablers, including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and financial services, to help build globally connected ecosystems that are investment ready and designed for the future of trade. This marks the beginning of a focused, long-term partnership dedicated to enabling sustainable economic progress globally.”
IFZA-IHC Collaboration
IFZA’s Swiss based global structure anchors a rapidly growing ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational companies worldwide. With active operations and partnerships across the Middle East, Europe, Panama, Pakistan, China, and other strategic markets, IFZA brings regulatory insight, operational agility, and hands-on experience in establishing and managing successful free zones and special economic zones.
Image credits: IHC | Cropped by GBN
IHC complements this platform through its proven capability in developing, funding and operating large-scale, multi-sector initiatives, its strong governance framework, and its ability to deliver forward-looking complex projects at scale. The partnership reflects a natural alignment between IFZA’s global business enablement expertise and IHC’s track record as a global investment company in building dynamic value networks.
Through this collaboration, IFZA and IHC are positioning free and special economic zones as interconnected global platforms that drive trade, investment, innovation, and cross-border collaboration, aligning public and private sector goals.
The partnership reflects a long-term commitment to building scalable economic infrastructure that adapts to a changing global economy. By focusing on targeted, high-impact projects, both entities are enabling businesses to expand across borders with confidence, resilience, and purpose.
