Jafza Is One of The Main Drivers of Dubai's Economy

A three member Government of Togo delegation led by Minister of Industry, HE Bakalawa Fofana, visited Jafza recently to learn more about the free zone s highly acclaimed business model. The delegation was received by Mr. Talal Al Hashimi, Managing Director EZW-UAE Region and Adil Al Zarooni, Senior Vice President, Global Sales at the free zone. Talal Al Hashimi briefed the delegation on Jafza s distinctive features and offerings and its contribution to Dubai s GDP and the country s economic development. Talal Al Hashimi said: "Approximately one-fourth of Dubai s total non-oil trade is generated in Jafza. It is interesting to note that this ratio has not altered or fluctuated much in the last more than five years. Jafza continues to play an important role in the nation-building process and will continue to do so for all the times to come. Jafza has today evolved into a vital intermediary hub for Asia-Europe trade while it is also well positioned to cater to growing African and Middle Eastern economies. " "Located in West Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the strategic geographic position of Togo offers an ideal setting for business transactions with the West African sub-region, Europe and North America. Jafza business model seems very appropriate for Togo to position itself as a trading hub between the developed economies and the emerging West African region, " he further added. Al Zarooni said: "Jafza is one of the main drivers of Dubai s economy. It has consistently been contributing to Dubai s GDP at over 20 per cent on a year-to-year basis; Accounted for more than 50 per cent of Dubai s total exports and more than 40 percent of net FDI flow into the UAE. " HE Bakalawa Fofana in his speech introduced and described key features of Togo s economy. He sought Dubai and Jafza s help in further developing Togo Export Processing Zone. The Government of Togo, with the support of Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) established an Export Processing Zone in Togo in 1989. The Zone has attracted private investors in manufacturing, assembling and food processing sectors for the export markets. Togo s industrial sector mainly comprises of Phosphate Mining, Cement, Food Processing and Textile. Its Agriculture sector comprises Coffee, Cocoa, Cotton, Cassava, Corn, Rice and livestock. Al Hashimi extended Jafza support in helping them grow and invited them to use Jafza as their springboard to introduce Togo products to the UAE and Middle East markets. Source: uaecement