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Commenting on the strong economic ties between the UAE and India, which is considered to be a strategic partner and one of the largest trading partners of the UAE for decades, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports said: “Abu Dhabi Ports’ strategic location in the Gulf makes it an ideal gateway for Indian importers and exporters and business in general to the rapidly growing markets of the Middle East, but also a transhipment hub for onward distribution to Europe and Africa.”
Abu Dhabi Ports is playing a crucial role in opening the doors to a new trade future with India, especially through Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KPFTZ), the largest free trade zone in the region but also a next-generation platform for trade, logistics and manufacturing. We are proud to say we can provide Indian business convenient reach to more than 4.5 billion consumers within four of the world’s time zones.” he added.
Among the speakers, Adel Al Wahedi, Chief Financial Officer at Abu Dhabi Ports, highlighted the importance of several recent milestones such as the new agreement signed with COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited (CSP) to develop the largest Container Freight Station in the region to enhance Abu Dhabi Port’s value proposition.
In addition, Abu Dhabi Ports provided a detailed overview of the offering at KIZAD and Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone as well as insights into future projects such as the creation of 75 pre-built Light Industrial Units (LIU) and 35 free zone pre-built warehouses, occupying a total area of approximately 17,000 square meters.
Abu Dhabi Ports was recognized with the Qadat Al Tagheer Award for the category ‘Excellence in Transport and Logistics’. Al Wahedi received the award from H.E. Jamal Al Jarwan, Secretary General, UAE International Investor’s Council. The Qadat Al Tagheer Awards 2017 honour companies and businessmen from both countries who have contributed extensively to the growth of their home and resident countries. They also recognise the efforts of government leaders who have worked towards fostering trade relations between India and UAE.
In response to the growing demand for free zones, Abu Dhabi Ports introduced Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone in April 2017. More than 40 companies currently operate at Khalifa Port FTZ with a mixture of activities including industrial, trading and service orientations. The primary focus of business activities is on Trade and Logistics, Packaging, Food & Beverage, Aluminium, Pharmaceutical, Polymer Converting and others in light, medium and heavy industry sectors.
Earlier this week, a delegation of Abu Dhabi Ports conducted a roadshow and participated in the World Food India, held in New Delhi on November 3-5 2017. In the framework of the visit, the delegation discussed with business and potential investors the industrial zone’s role in supporting trade development, KIZAD’s food manufacturing cluster, and how investors in food processing industry can benefit from KIZAD’s multi-modal transportation infrastructure.