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NEWS
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SHEIKH
HASHER LAUNCHES FREEZEX 2003
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| Dubai,
13 April |
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| Freezex
2003, the First International Exhibition and Conference on Free
Zones & Technology Parks ever to be held in the Middle East,
Africa and CIS countries, was officially launched today by HH Sheikh
Hasher Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Director of Information, Government
of Dubai during an elegant function at the Emirates Towers. The
function was attended by several chairmen and director generals
of free zones in the UAE, senior government officials, ambassadors,
consul generals, commercial attaches, media and senior management
from the free zone industry which includes free zones, science &
technology parks, ports, airports, infra-structure builders, logistics
& distribution companies, investment & industrial banks
and insurance companies. |
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| "Free
zones have helped 9 countries to move from poverty to prosperity
during the last 50 years. We in the United Arab Emirates have clearly
chosen the "free zone" route to achieve economic prosperity
for our future generations", said Sheikh Hasher during his
welcome address. "The main idea of Freezex is to bring together
investors and venture capitalists on one hand and free zones and
science and technology parks on the other in order to achieve quick
economic growth of the participating countries", he added. |
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other objectives of Freezex are to provide an opportunity to participating
countries to improve the functioning of their existing free zones,
ports, airports and set up new ones. The event will also be a market
place for the "free zone industry" to market their products
and services and generate new businesses. |
| Freezex
2003, which will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre
from 12-15 January, 2003, has received the patronage of His Highness
General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai,
Minister of Defence, United Arab Emirates and Chairman of Dubai's
free zones and the Main Sponsorship of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. |
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| Speaking
during the Official Launch, Mr. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Managing Director
of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority said that "Supported by the
remarkable growth of its impressive infra-structure, world class
facilities and extensive services, Dubai is the ideal venue where
a collection of free zones can meet under one roof. Jebel Ali Free
Zone Authority has always supported the exchange of information
with free zones from other countries and Freezex 2003 provides the
welcome opportunity for us to directly interact with the diverse
range of investors, free zone operators, administrators, builders
and service providers that will visit during the event. For all
of us in the Free Zone industry, Freezex 2003 provides a chance
to establish, improve and expand our operations and our businesses
and thereby strengthen our positions in the global economy". |
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Al
Fajer Information & Services, organisers of Freezex 2003, have
entered into an agreement with the World Federation of Free Zones
under which the federation has agreed to shift its conference on
free zones from Geneva to Dubai and hold it alongside Freezex 2003.
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| "We
are very pleased to join our efforts with Freezex, organising together
the International Exhibition and Conference on Free Zones and Technology
Parks, giving to the world the opportunity to learn and to be in
touch with the best free zone area in the Middle East", said
Dr. Juan Torrents, President, World Federation of Free Zones during
the Official Launch. |
| "Freezex
2003 is more of an economic event than a trade show and is primarily
aimed at bringing foreign direct investments and indirect revenues
into the participating economies. It is also an instrument of development
which will aid industrialization, employment and growth. We are
very happy to leverage the expertise of the World Federation of
Free Zones and are confident that it will enhance Freezex 2003",
said Mr. Mohammad Mubarak Iesa, Vice President, Al Fajer Enterprises
and Chairman, Freezex 2003 Organising Committee. |
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| The
organisers plan to focus on the role of free zones in the new economy
through another powerful conference on science and technology parks. |
| "Freezex
2003 is designed to improve free zone tenancy, assist multi nationals
in locating and re-locating and is coming along nicely", said
Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information & Services.
Strong interest to participate has been received from all the free
zones in the UAE. Sharjah has indicated a requirement of 500 sqm.
"Our participation in Freezex 2003 reflects our dedication
and commitment to globally reach hi-tech market and hence achieve
our consistent long term vision. We view Freezex 2003 to be an effective
tool to further consolidate our mission", said Dr. Mohammad
Ahmed Al Zarouni, Director General, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority
which has already confirmed its participation in Freezex 2003. |
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| "Turkey,
Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Iran, Pakistan, India and
Taiwan have also indicated a strong interest to participate. India
has indicated a requirement of 1000 sqm. We expect atleast 100 free
zones and technology parks to participate in Freezex 2003. We also
expect several owners of 'Fortune 500' companies to visit Freezex
2003 as investors", added Mr. Khanna. |
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| Jebel
Ali Free Zone Authority, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, Dubai
Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Dubai Department of Tourism
& Commerce Marketing are assisting the organisers in promoting
the event worldwide. |
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