Imitative hosted participants from 15 factories operating within ZonesCorp

Abu Dhabi, June 13, 2012: The Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) recently organized a training workshop on "Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points" certificate (HACCP). HAACP is one of the most important international quality certificates of export in the field of the foodstuff industry. The workshop was attended by participants from 15 foodstuff factories operating within the industrial cities of ZonesCorp.

The course aimed to promote awareness among participants and to introduce them to the importance of obtaining the "HACCP" certificate, which contributes to raising health standards and the safety of food products. Furthermore, the certificate improves the factories' product quality and reputation, thereby increasing the rate of their exports to global markets. It also reduces material costs and increases financial returns over the long run in addition to facilitating customs and non-tariff procedures that serve as barriers impeding food exports.

ZonesCorp's hosting of the workshop at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi falls in line with its continuing efforts to encourage various industrial enterprises operating within its industrial cities to adopt best practices according to global standards, to enhance the economic and industrial status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE on regional and global levels.

Dr. Joan Taylor, an expert in the field of food safety and management, and risk analysis for factories and foodstuff factories, was in charge of operating this workshop. Over the course of 12 years, Dr. Taylor developed effective solutions in the field of food security and systems risk analysis, and was able to identify critical points to address at both government and industry levels. She has also published numerous articles and books related to this sector during the past years.

Commenting on this session, HE Mohamed Hasan Al Qamzi, CEO of ZonesCorp said: "ZonesCorp decided to host this important initiative as we are well aware of the keenness of international foodstuff companies and factories to obtain international certifications, and in particular the "HACCP" certificate, which helps in promoting competitive products on global levels and raises the standards of the UAE's exports in global developed markets."

HE added: "I ​​would also like to thank the Department of Economic Development for their continuous support, as we are committed to strengthening our cooperation through cooperating with all parties to support efforts aimed at developing the industrial sector in Abu Dhabi and the achieving Vision 2030."

Moreover, Dr. Adeeb Al Afifi, Director of Foreign Trade & ‎Export Support at DED, praised ZonesCorp's efforts, and emphasized on the importance of organizing this course, saying: "This workshop is designed to educate food producers on the importance of the "HACCP" certificate, which contributes to raising health and safety standards of produced food, and thus raise its quality and reputation in the market, resulting in an increase in exports to world markets. Additionally, obtaining this certificate decreases material costs and increases the financial returns, in addition to reducing the tariff and non-tariff barriers that may block food exports."

Furthermore, the "HACCP" certificate is one of the international certificates approved for control of critical points in the process of food preservation and safety, as obtaining it contributes in reducing the number of inspection visits carried out by regulatory authorities.  In addition, it educates food producers and provides them with a clear target for high-quality food safety practices. Organizing this session also supports the growth in foodstuff exports achieved by companies in Abu Dhabi, which were distributed to 52 global markets in 2011 and covered all continents for a value of  almost half a billion Emirati Dirhams. Saudi Arabia came at the forefront of importing countries, followed by Oman and Qatar, where the importing country' list included international markets like the United Kingdom, France, USA, Canada and others.

About ZonesCorp:
The Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) is a government-backed entity that was established in Abu Dhabi in 2004 to enhance and develop the industrial sector. ZonesCorp is directly responsible for the establishment and management of specialized economic zones in Abu Dhabi, committing to develop the industrial infrastructure in the capital, cultivating a business climate conducive to growth and driving the diversification of the economy. The Corporation provides customer-centric services including a One-Stop Shop, a foreign labor service centre, and quality worker accommodation facilities.

ZonesCorp targets to leverage on an enhanced financial capability by procuring new specialized clusters through Public-Private Partnership management structures and involvement of the ZonesCorp Infrastructure Investment Fund. ZonesCorp's current and future projects include 5 industrial cities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, in addition to a construction and building materials production city and other quality worker accommodation cities.

For more information:
Hiba Haddad                           
Weber Shandwick MENA
Phone: + 971 56 1679577                                                                                              
Email: hiba.haddad@ws-mena.com   

© Press Release 2012