The development success and massive marketability of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafz) has reverberated in the region, enticing global investors to capitalise on regional resources and promote the country’s growth plans.
With more than 21 years of experience, and a team of diverse backgrounds and expertise, the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) is in full swing with an international strategy to invest, manage and operate economic zones, logistics hubs and business parks in strategic locations covering the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Africa, the CIS region and Latin America.
In a short span of six years, Jafza International has expanded to include key locations including Morocco, Djibouti and Malaysia, and is now recognised as a pioneer in the development, management, administration and IT and logistical operations of economic zones around the world.
Besides Jafza International’s success in taking the business internationally and helping in the set-up, management and operations of free zones worldwide, it provides various consulting services depending on the requirements of the client and the development phase of the site in question. Services range from technical advisory to comprehensive consulting studies and quick opportunity assessment to a complete master planning study of the site. These studies include market assessments, implementation plans, technical and financial feasibilities, pricing strategy and capital projections. Jafza International has worked with several customers all over the world from Rwanda, Senegal and Morocco to Malaysia and Mauritius.
“With an aggressive international business model, Jafza International aims to develop a network of economic hubs that serve to facilitate all trading needs, logistical requirements and investment potential,” says a Jafza International spokesman. Capitalised by its people and partnering with a client base of more than 5,000, Jafza International has augmented its international network through its three locations: Djibouti Free Zone; Medhub, the Tangier-Med Global Distribution Free Zone, and Port Klang Free Zone. It has also signed an MoU for operating Salalah Free Zone.
Djibouti Free Zone
Jafza’s investment and management in a 24-hectare Djibouti Free Zone has exceeded expectations.
In only two years, the project has already expanded into the second phase, which is almost fully engaged. Working from this hub provides business investors with a platform to tap into the potential of the African market. Under the management of Jafza International, DFZ ensures world-class management practices and high-quality service that is vital to the success of a business.
Strategically located on the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is the main point of entry for all sea cargo bound for Ethiopia and the surrounding countries and regions. Located just 2 km from Djibouti Port, which has emerged as one of East Africa’s busiest and most efficient ports, and close to the Djibouti International Airport, it is an ideal storage and distribution hub for operations in East and Central Africa.
Medhub – Tangier-Med Global Distribution Free Zone
In 2002, the Moroccan Government created a Special Development Zone in the north of the country with the aim of developing the region as a strategic centre for transportation, industry and trade.
A key component of this development is Medhub, a dedicated logistics free zone located adjacent to the new Port of Tangier-Med. Covering an area of 140 hectares, Medhub is the ideal logistics hub for regional distribution, procurement and value-added activities. The facility is due for completion in September 2007.
Its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, quality services and attractive incentives will ensure optimal access to the 600-million customer base in Europe and the emerging markets of North and West Africa.
Port Klang Free Zone, Malaysia
Adjacent to one of the world’s busiest ports, the Port Klang Free Zone is a massive 1,000 acre development that is destined to become a benchmark in the maritime industry of Malaysia.
It offers investment opportunities for multinational companies, small and medium-size industries, and distribution and logistics services. Investors can enjoy a wide range of advantages that broadly include strategic location, comprehensive connectivity, state-of-the-art facilities, efficient services and excellent incentives.
Salalah Free Zone
Just recently, and not too far from home, Jafza International signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Salalah Free Zone Corporation (SFZC) to help further develop the Salalah Free Zone in Oman.
The Free Zone is strategically located near the Port of Salalah and will cover a massive area of 19 million sq m. SFZC and Jafza are also discussing the possibility of a joint venture, in which Jafza could take a stake in the Salalah project, which is wholly owned by the Government of Oman.
