Gabon President, Bin Sulayem discuss commercial co-operation
President Ondimba impressed with Jebel Ali Port, Free Zone operations
President of Gabon HE El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba on Tuesday, held talks with HE Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, on matters of mutual economic interests and on the scope of co-operation in various sectors in his country.
Tuesday’s meeting in Dubai follows the visit by Mr. Bin Sulayem to Gabon in April this year as part of his West African tour prospecting investment opportunities for Dubai World in the region, during which both sides explored possible business ties.
“President Ondimba’s visit to Dubai has further opened avenues of mutual co-operation. His positive response is encouraging and Dubai World is keen to pursue various possibilities,” Mr. Bin Sulayem said. “The contribution President Ondimba has made to the economic and political stability of Gabon is immense and the investment atmosphere there is very positive,” he added.
The Gabon leader, accompanied by a high-power delegation, also visited Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) on Wednesday, where he was received by Mr. Jamal Majid bin Thaniah, Executive Vice Chairman of DP World and Group CEO of Ports and Free Zone World, Ms. Salma Hareb, CEO of Jafza and Economic Zones World, and other Dubai World officials.
“President Ondimba and the Gabon delegation were highly impressed by the activities at Jebel Ali Port, the DP World flag ship, and the Jebel Ali Free Zone. We explained the unique integrated operational system followed by the Port and Jafza, which has brought great success here in the UAE and on a global level. The president lauded our efforts, making particular reference to the way the Port and the Free Zone have made use of technology to provide quality service to customers,” Mr. Bin Thaniah said.
With its rapidly diversifying economy and prudent use of natural resources, Gabon has become a strong economy in West Africa with huge potential for growth. Dubai already has strong economic ties with Gabon, which is reflected in the steadily growing trade. According to Dubai World’s Statistics Department, non-oil trade between Dubai and Gabon amounted to AED91.40 million in 2007, which included import, export and re-export.
Dubai World has been closely following the changing economic scene in Africa, with special focus on West Africa. Considering the rapidly evolving pro-investment environment, the group has chosen the African continent as one of its major portfolio expansion areas. Mr. Bin Sulayem’s recent tour of the region has opened several new areas of possible investments there.
Dubai World has strengthened the time-tested economic ties between Dubai and Africa through a wide range of investments in several strategic sectors through its subsidiary companies, including Dubai World Africa, its investment arm in the continent, DP World, the marine terminal operators, and Jafza International, the free zone experts.
Dubai World Africa owns and operates some of the choicest tourism resorts, game reserves and luxury hotels across Africa. A number of new ventures are also under various stages of progress.
