Speaker details

Biography

CEO, ARAUJO IBARRA INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS Lawyer specialized in International Trade Law from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. He also holds specialized studies in Comparative Law from the University of Texas at Dallas and Export Promotion from ICE in Italy. Martín Ibarra has extensive experience in international trade, investment, and the development and promotion of free zones and special economic zones. Throughout his career, he has participated in projects across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including as part of the World Bank mission that advised the Chinese Government on the establishment of the first Special Economic Zone in Shenzhen in 1983. He participated in and coordinated the establishment of Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Trade in 1991, now the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, supporting the country’s transition toward an open and internationally integrated economy. Through Araújo Ibarra, Martín has advised and promoted numerous free zone and special economic zone projects across Latin America, supporting governments, investors, and private-sector organizations in the design, development, and implementation of international trade and investment strategies. His professional career has been recognized by leading international legal publications, including Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers International, which have recognized him among the leading practitioners in International Trade Law in Colombia and Latin America. Martín served as Vice-Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), based in Dubai, and as Honorary President and Founder of the Free Zones Association of the Americas (AZFA).