RAK Free Trade Zone participates in top events in Doha & Hannover

As part of its mandate to reinforce its reputation across the world and attract investments from global companies, top-level trade delegations from Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), one of the fastest-growing and most cost-effective free trade zones in the UAE, are taking part in leading events in Doha and Hannover, Germany this week. 

A high-level RAK FTZ delegation, led by its CEO Oussama El Omari, took part in the World Investment Forum (WIF) 2012 – a leading conference facilitating dialogue and action on key investment related challenges in Doha. Organised by United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD), in partnership with Qatar Government, the WIF focused on ‘Investing in Sustainable Development’ and held from April 21 to 23 with participation from over 110 countries, including 15 heads of states, 40 Ministers and over 40 CEOs, among other top officials. 

Similarly, RAK FTZ is part of the UAE pavilion at Hannover Messe, the leading international industrial and technology fair in Hannover, Germany, that is regarded as one of the world’s longest-running events and is to be held from 23 to 27 April. The UAE pavilion is part of Global Business & Markets – the dedicated foreign trade platform at the exhibition. RAK FTZ is among the 23 top government, semi-government and private sector organisations in the UAE that are participating under the umbrella of UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade. 

At the two top-level events, RAK FTZ is showcasing the strategic business opportunities on offer at the free zone and the UAE, and intends to explore potential joint ventures and collaborations with countries and companies from around the globe. It is also highlighting the advantages of setting up base in the UAE, which acts as a hub for business and trade across the wider Middle East and North Africa region. 

Oussama El Omari, CEO of RAK FTZ, said: “We are extremely privileged to be participating in these events. Our presence at the WIF 2012 in Doha was a great learning experience, where we had numerous interactions with global leaders, senior policy-makers, corporate executives, investors and heads of investment promotion agencies from countries around the world. This was a great platform to reinforce our presence in the region, and our efforts to act as the preferred business hub for global business across the Middle East and Africa.” 

Talking about the RAK FTZ’s participation in Hannover Messe, El Omari said: “To be a part of the UAE pavilion at Hannover Messe is a great opportunity to educate, encourage and invite global businesses and SMEs on expanding their operations to the UAE and reinforce the favourable investment climate in the country. This is a great networking platform for us – offering unmatched opportunities for one-to-one networking with business delegations from across the world.” 

RAK FTZ, which has a stand in Hall 13 at Hannover Messe, is represented by the regional marketing team in Germany, headed by Nadia Rinawi. As part of its participation, Nadia Rinawi will present on ‘Business Opportunities in the UAE’ on 25 April. 

“At RAK FTZ, we have always supported pro-investment policies firmly rooted in the principles of free trade and promoting entrepreneurship. Through this participation at top events, forums and exhibition, we are looking at establishing and nurturing international business contacts with the free zone. The cost effectiveness of setting up business at RAK FTZ, coupled with value-added services and easy access to do business with neighbouring regions are our salient advantages unmatched in the region,” added El Omari. 

Hannover Messe is set to attract over 200,000 visitors from 71 countries, including high-level government offices, economists, strategic thinkers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and business professionals.