As many as 18 German companies established base in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai, flagship of Economic Zones World (EZW) in 2010, taking the total number of German firms operating there to 181. New German companies coming on board in 2010 were Energy Company Westhaus, building company GHI Formwork and VAG-Armaturen, among others.

European companies number 1,500 at Jafza while a total of 6,901 firms from various continents operated in Jafza at the end of 2010.

The free zone showcased its suite of offerings at the recently concluded Hannover Messe Exhibition, regarded as the world’s foremost industrial exhibition. A large number of technology companies visited the Jafza stand showing their keen interest to set-up their regional hub at the free zone.

Many sectors at event
Over 6,500 exhibitors from various sectors including energy, research and technology, factory automation, micro technology, pipeline technology and robotics participated in the event which was held in Germany from April 4 to 8.

Talal Al Hashimi, managing director, EZW-UAE region; Adil Al Zarooni, senior vice president, EZW-global sales, and Mansoor Al Bastaki, Europe manager, EZW-global sales, represented Jafza at the exhibition.

Al Zarooni said a number of technology companies displayed a keen interest in Dubai and Jafza in particular at the show. 'Germany is an important trade partner and we look forward to welcoming more German companies to the Jafza community,' he said.

According to Dubai World’s statistics department, the non-oil trade between Dubai and Germany in 2010, up 11 per cent from the previous year, was valued at Dh20.6 billion. Imports stood at Dh19.6 billion while exports and re-exports were Dh369 million and Dh635 million respectively.

Over the years Jafza has been playing a vital role in boosting Dubai’s economic ties with Germany. The trade between Jafza and Germany was valued at Dh5.6 billion in 2010.