112 new companies in free zone reflects UAE government support for sector.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 27, 2016: Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), part of DP World and the UAE’s flagship trade and logistics hub, has seen a 15% growth in the number of petrochemicals, oil and gas companies registered in the free zone.

The announcement was made at a forum held at the National Industries Park in Dubai to promote the growth of the sector in the UAE and across the region. The event was attended by over 70 companies in the free zone, including business leaders, key officials from government entities and senior Jafza officials.

Discussions focused on the role of the petrochemicals industry in boosting the national economy and the significance of research and development to raise production capacity and sustain long-term growth. With the free zone attracting 112 new sector businesses in the last year, the UAE government continues to support innovative enterprises and mega projects in the industry.

Jebel Ali Free Zone Chief Operating Officer Talal Al Hashimi said:

“According to a report from the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the petrochemicals industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is export-oriented with 70.3 million tonnes of total production exported in 2015. Products from the region, including plastics and fertilizers, are supplied to over 166 countries. As a logistics hub, Jafza provides multi-modal connectivity to international markets with a dynamic and streamlined global supply chain, supported by DP World’s operations in 40 countries.”

The forum also provided a platform for local regulators to update businesses on changes in policies and procedures. This included Dubai police sharing information on security permissions and approvals for companies associated with chemical trading, storage and related activities. Jafza officials shed light on recent free zone initiatives, including the opening of new warehouses, office spaces at Jafza One, accommodation for workers and ongoing sustainability projects.

Among the companies represented at the Forum were the American multinational conglomerate 3M, German chemical manufacturer BASF, international specialty chemicals leader Dow Chemicals, chemical distributors Petrochem and petroleum product trading and storage providers Star Energy, as well as senior officials from Jafza, DP World, Dubai Customs, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Trakhees, Dubai Exports, and the Port and Free Zone Security.

For further queries please contact Mr Bassam Rjoob (Corporate Editor) on +971-50-9915444.

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About Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza)
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is one of the world’s leading free trade zones.  A DP World-owned company, the free zone was created in 1985 to promote trade and support container throughput at the Jebel Ali Port. Today it is one of the largest free zones globally and the region’s most efficient logistics hub.  Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, between the world’s most productive container terminal, Jebel Ali Port, and Al Maktoum International Airport, Jafza provides the best in multi-modal connectivity.

Jafza accounts for almost 32% of total FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) flow ‎into the country. ‎The free zone contributes 21% of Dubai’s GDP on a yearly basis and it sustains the employment of more than 144,000 people in the United Arab Emirates.  In 2015, Jafza generated trade worth USD 87.6 billion.

As the leading business hub between Asia, Europe and Africa, the fastest growing producing and consumer markets globally, with over 30 years’ experience, Jafza focuses on long-term customer relationships.  Jafza builds alliances with global investors by providing them with world-class infrastructure and support, plus quality-driven value-added services and incentives. Jafza enables its customers to access huge business opportunities in the region with ease and efficiency.

© Press Release 2016