Hamriyah Free Zone, where investment by companies has crossed the billion-dirham mark ($272 million), is preparing for a surge in the entry of new business organisations now that there are ongoing infrastructure projects to make the zone an attractive proposition for investors in factories, commercial offices and other enterprises.

The zone witnessed a 30 per cent increase in the number of companies in 2001 and now houses more than 200 companies with over half of them being industrial in nature.

Director of the zone Rashid Al Leems said the infrastructure available was among the best in the world and could be had at affordable rates. The aim was to make it the most cost-effective industrial free zone in the Middle East.

"All Free Zones in the UAE provide similar incentives to the investor such as 100 per cent ownership, exemption from taxes and levies, full repatriation of Capital etc. However, what would be of special interest to the customer would be that whilst providing world-class infrastructure for setting up industries, the zone is also one of the most cost-effective in the region. Our main focus is 'investor needs' and our strength lies in the fact that Hamriyah is a quality-conscious free zone," remarked Al Leems.

Added the official: "The management walks the extra mile to ensure that investor's operations are smooth and hassle-free. Moreover, there are no hidden charges. All the charges are spelt out in the beginning at the time of signing the lease.

"Once the requisite legal documents are in order, a licence is only a matter of hours away. We realise the importance of time and do our best to ensure that the investor gets his value for money." Al Leems pointed to Hamriyah's keen interest in providing the best for its tenants. "Hamriyah Free Zone is constantly trying to upgrade its services and facilities. The dredging in the Inner Harbour project is an example of its commitment to providing better infrastructure facilities to its investors. The completion of this project will be a major boost to the region's maritime industry and constitute a giant step forward in boosting shipping and export-oriented businesses," he said.

"In addition, the government has recently added another 2 million sq m to the existing 10 million bringing the total to 12 million sq m of prime commercial and industrial property."

The official also stressed that Hamriyah had over the years developed state-of-the-art infrastructure in terms of facilities such as telecommunication services, UPS, water supply and long-term security to cater to all types of industries. It was also an ISO 9002 company and "the first free zone in the world to receive an ISO14001 certification."

The efforts had paid off, he indicated.

"Word of mouth and good reputation combined with an intense marketing campaign has helped Hamriyah be the first choice for a number of well known, branded names from around the world.

"Larsen & Toubro from India, Indonesian heavy vehicle manufacturer Texmaco, Mammut Industries from Iran, Beleili Energy from Italy, Speciality Chemicals and Mohideen Woodworks from the UAE to name a few. There are a number of other prestigious projects."

Companies from more than 17 nations around the globe have set up base at Hamriyah. As well as the UAE, countries most represented include India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Europe and the US. "As of now investment has exceeded the Dh 1 billion mark. Last year saw a surge in new entrants and we are confident of exceeding our target this year," Al Leems enthused.

Any industry was welcome as long as it was environment-friendly and confined itself to international norms and regulations, he said. But four zones had been identified as potential growth areas - petrochemicals, food processing, textiles and wood, he said.

Al Leems described Hamriyah as a "customer-driven free zone". "The staff constantly undergo training to provide quality service to investors. Further, the infrastructure available here is comparable to some of the best in the world and at affordable rates. "Hamriyah is also one of the very few, if not the only free zone in the region which has set up a dedicated customer relations department that looks after the needs and problems faced by the customer after he has signed up and become a Hamriyah Free Zone Company," he said.