Jafza delegation concludes successful visit to China

WAM -- A high-level delegation from the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Jafza, led by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman, CEO and Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, has concluded a successful visit to People's Republic of China.

The seven-day visit came within the framework of Jafza's strategic plan aimed at supporting the national economy and enhancing foreign investment as part of its efforts to attract more global and regional companies in various fields.

During the visit, the Jafza delegation held meetings with senior officials in the Chinese Government and organised business seminars in major industrial cities. These activities aim to introduce Jafza’s investment opportunities to Chinese business entities wishing to expand their operations and presence in the Middle East using Jafza, the most efficient logistical hub in the region.

Sultan bin Sulayem stressed that the friendly relationship between the United Arab Emirates and China is supported by the leaders of the two countries, noting Jafza’s keenness to promote economic cooperation in order to foster bilateral trade. He said that China is still Jafza’s largest trading partner, with trade value worth AED46.4 billion in 2015.

Bin Sulayem also noted that the UAE has been one of China’s biggest export markets in the MENA region for many years. He said that the Free Zone plays a crucial role in re-exporting Chinese goods and products to different countries throughout the world.

Bin Sulayem described the initiative of Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, to revive the Silk Route as a significant leap in reinforcing Dubai’s position on the global map, since the Silk Route crosses 56 countries and links the vibrant economic circles of Eastern Asia with established European economic circles.

During the visit, the Jafza delegation held a series of meetings with a number of major Chinese industrial companies in the fields of technology, telecommunications, oil and equipment that are interested in expanding their presence in the rapidly growing MENA markets. The delegation also met with the Management of the Qingdao Free Zone to boost cooperation between the two sides and discuss ways to attract new Qingdao-registered companies to Jafza. This will have positive impacts on the level of trade between the two parties, as well as increasing Chinese exports to external markets.

WAM/Hanaa/Moran/Esraa