ZonesCorp, the Higher Corporation of Specialised Economic Zones in Abu Dhabi, has upgraded its investor centre, making it possible to reduce the industrial licence application processing time from three months to one business day.

In addition to faster approval times, new investors will also benefit from a new organisation of trained investor managers and officers to cater to investor questions and requirements and help facilitate the business set-up process. The measure is aimed at achieving greater transparency and reinforcing ZonesCorp's commitment to an investor-centric approach to serving both new and longstanding customers, the authority said.

"The once cumbersome process that had investors shuttling between government agencies to complete an application also now provides investors a single point of contact to help process their applications," it said.

The revamped investor centre was unveiled by Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, chairman of ZonesCorp. T
he revamp is the first in a line of investor-focused initiatives at the authority to deliver an improved customer experience and strengthen investor relationships and services.

Leading the way

Commenting on the occasion, Sheikh Hamed said, "ZonesCorp is leading the way for industrial development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. As the only entity mandated to provide industrial licences in the emirate, ZonesCorp plays a strategic role in its diversification efforts by increasing the industrial sector's contribution to the GDP. By continuously building and developing industrial infrastructure and upgrading our services and policies, we are better equipped to attract foreign investors and build partnerships with the private sector."

Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of ZonesCorp's executive committee, commented on the new initiative, saying, "Developing our investor services is one of our highest priorities here at ZonesCorp. Several months ago, we investigated and defined the key challenges for investors and this is our first milestone in ensuring that client needs and requirements are being met with the highest levels of customer service. With an average of four industrial licences issued per day, ZonesCorp will continue to improve its efficiencies and develop its investor services."