The year 2000 has seen significant growth for the UAE’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) as the number of national and multi-national companies reaches an impressive 1900, compared to 1644 at the end of 1999, according to a company release.
The year 2000 also witnessed more companies registering from the industrial developed countries, in particular United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium. This trend is in line with JAFZA's prevailing policy to attract advanced technology-based projects to Jebel Ali.
Among some of the international names to have joined JAFZ in 2000 are Goodyear (USA), Toyo Ink and NGK (Japan), Daimler Chrysler (Germany), Bayer Int'l (Switzerland), Caterpillar Logistics (Belgium), Cummins Diesel (UK), Technip Middle East (Holland).
Meanwhile, the number of Indian companies based in the free zone also continued to grow. The total number increased from 192 companies in 1999 to 242 last year.
Among the largest JAFZ projects currently underway is the extensive road construction program, which will improve traffic movement through the port and free zone entrances and along internal roads. A new bridge linking Jebel Ali port and JAFZ with Sheikh Zayed road is under construction close to the main gate as well. ¯ (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
