Dubai: Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of commercial and community ports within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as well as Fujairah Terminals and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), showcased opportunities available for Indian businesses and investors during the third edition of the UAE-India Economic Forum (UIEF) held in Dubai, November 8-9, 2017. The forum seeks to discuss and evaluate business opportunities in UAE and India, with special focus on critical sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy and banking.

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.

During the Forum and following the keynote address by H.E. Juma Mohammed AlKait, Assistant under Secretary Foreign Trade Affairs, UAE Ministry of Economy, several public and private business leaders took the floor to shed light on how the UAE-India investments are contributing to supporting the two countries’ long term bilateral relations.

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.

Both Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone and KIZAD - which so far has attracted more than 150 investors and over AED 60 Billion – offer investors outstanding access to expert knowledge, consumers and markets through sea, air, road and future rail as well dedicated investor set-up support and services.

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.

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About Abu Dhabi Ports
Established in 2006, Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of commercial and community ports within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to the Port of Fujairah, as well as the trade and logistics hub, Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), in which Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone attracts direct investments to over 100 km2 of free zone opportunities, the largest in the Middle East region.

Inaugurated on Dec 12, 2012 by President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khalifa Port is the flagship port of Abu Dhabi Ports and is considered to be the first semi-automated container port in the region. Abu Dhabi Ports also owns 50% of Abu Dhabi Terminals, which operates and manages Khalifa Port Container Terminal with a full suite of logistics solutions to benefit trade partners and shipping lines. In addition to the current capacity of 2.5 million TEUs, the recent deal Abu Dhabi Ports signed with COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited, which is expected to commence operations by 2019, will raise the annual capacity to 6 million TEUs in both container terminals.

Abu Dhabi Ports’ subsidiaries include Abu Dhabi Marine Services “SAFEEN”, providing a comprehensive range of marine, navigational and ancillary quayside services as well as VTS Services and fleet maintenance in a safe, secure and efficient manner; Maqta Gateway, which operates an innovative port community system, facilitating online information flow between all the port stakeholders and customers; and Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, the first permanent cruise terminal in the region. To meet the increasing demand of cruise liners and passengers, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach was developed, offerings cruise ship passengers a new beach destination with unmatched tourism experiences. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Ports also manages the Maritime Training Centre at Musaffah Port.

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© Press Release 2017