The region's first international exhibition and conference on free zones and technology parks has received attendance confirmation from free zone authorities of more than 20 countries as well as UN organisations, the event's organisers said.

Al Fajer Information and Services said Freezex 2003, scheduled for January 12 to 15 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, said it had received confirmation from the World Bank Group, the WTO, the UN-ITC, the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, Barcelona Port, Port Authority of Trieste and free zone authorities from some Latin American, Arab and African states, Croatia, Romania, Turkey Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Mongolia and the Indian subcontinent.

Participation was also expected from the US, the UK, Macedonia, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Nigeria and South Africa, Al Fajer said.

"The main concept of Freezex 2003 is to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into participating free and special economic zones (SEZs) and science and technology parks (STPs)," the organisers said.

"The conference will be a learning opportunity where free zone/SEZ/STP operators can learn how to develop, operate and market (these business segments) more effectively. It will also be a networking opportunity where free zone/SEZ/STP operators can meet and do business with government officials, their counterparts from (other free zones), investors, venture capitalists, planners, consultants, infra-structure builders, logistics and distribution companies, investment/industrial banks and insurance companies."

Al Fajer said the event was on course to establishing itself as a significant economic event of the region.

"Free zones have helped nine countries to move from poverty to prosperity during the last 50 years. We in the United Arab Emirates have clearly chosen the "free zone" route to achieve economic prosperity for our future generations", said Shaikh Hasher Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, director of information, Government of Dubai, and president, Al Fajer Information and Services.

The focal point of Freezex 2003 will be the "Investment Pavilion" which the organisers are developing to assist participants to seek advice on institutional investments. Freezex 2003 is being held alongside The Autumn Fair, which attracts about 700 companies from 25 countries and 15,000 trade visitors from about 50 countries. Each one of them is considered a potential investor.

The other objectives of Freezex are to provide an opportunity to participating countries to improve the functioning of their existing free zones, ports and airports and set up new ones. The event will also be a place for the "free zone industry" to market their products and services and generate new businesses.

Freezex 2003 has received the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of Dubai Free Zones, and the main sponsorship of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. The organisers have signed an MOU with the Geneva-based World Federation of Free Zones to be their "International Partner" and organise the Freezex 2003 Conference.

"We are very pleased to join our efforts with Freezex, organising together the International Exhibition and Conference on Free Zones and Technology Parks, giving to the world the opportunity to learn and to be in touch with the best free zone area in the Middle East", said Dr. Juan Torrents, President, World Federation of Free Zones.

"Freezex 2003 is more of an economic event than a trade show and is primarily aimed at bringing foreign direct investments and indirect revenues into the participating economies. It is also an instrument of development, which will aid industrialisation, employment and growth. We are very happy to leverage the expertise of the World Federation of Free Zones and are confident that it will enhance Freezex 2003", said Mohammad Mubarak Iesa, vice president, Al Fajer Enterprises, and chairman, Freezex 2003 Organising Committee.

"Freezex 2003 is designed to improve free zone tenancy and assist multi nationals in locating and re-locating, and is coming along nicely", said Satish Khanna, general manager, Al Fajer Information & Services.

"Our participation in Freezex 2003 reflects our dedication and commitment to globally reach high-tech markets and hence achieve our consistent long-term vision. We view Freezex 2003 to be an effective tool to further consolidate our mission", said Dr Mohammad Ahmed Al Zarouni, Director General, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, which was one of the first to confirm its participation in Freezex 2003.

The organisers have appointed a strong network of agents to market Freezex 2003 worldwide. They are being assisted by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.