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Rich participation for ZonesCorp at GMIS |
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As largest developer and operator of purpose-built industrial zones in the UAE and Strategic Partner of the Global Manufacturing & Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) in Abu Dhabi, ZonesCorp played an active role in the summit, sharing its expertise and contributing to the high level discussions taking place as well as signing an MOU with the Department of Economic Development launching two major development projects. During GMIS, H.E. Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of ZonesCorp, took part in a high level panel discussion about the ‘Future of Infrastructure’ alongside other distinguished guests from around the world. During the panel H.E. Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, commented on the role of government: “The future of the manufacturing and industry is rooted in close partnership between the public and private sectors, with government working as an enabling platform for the private sector. It is also important to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place for the private sector to grow and that the private sector is involved in developing that infrastructure, this is the only way to ensure sustainability. The other thing that governments need provide is clarity, transparency and stability, if you have these, investors will follow. Also during the summit H.E. Saeed Eisa Al Khyeli, Director General of ZonesCorp and UNIDO Director General, LI Yong held a meeting in the ZonesCorp Majlis during the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit in Abu Dhabi. This is the second meeting between UNIDO and ZonesCorp following UNIDO Director General’s visit last year to tour Economic Zones and see the extensive infrastructure available to investors and the broad mix of companies that have set up successful facilities in Abu Dhabi Industrial City 1 (ICAD I). H.E. Saeed Eisa Al Khyeli gave an overview of the progress made in the last months including the growing numbers of companies, which have established facilities in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi. UNIDO Director General LI Yong expressed strong interest in the business model developed by ZonesCorp and they discussed ways of replicating it in developing countries and specifically in Ethiopia, where UNIDO established a Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) that includes establishing a sustainable industrial free zone. During the meeting, it was agreed that the two organizations would start concrete cooperation by exchanging best practices to set up industrial zones to spur sustainable and responsible investments. H.E. Saeed Eisa Al Khyeli, Director General of ZonesCorp commented: “It was excellent to meet with the Director General again and to give him an update of our progress. UNIDO plays an important role helping to encourage sustainable economic development around the world and we look forward to close cooperation in the future.” UNIDO Director General LI Yong said: “It is essential for UNIDO to share lessons learned and experiences on establishing economic zones around the globe. We must continue to work together and exchange best practices. Only through partners such as with ZonesCorp can we expect inclusive and sustainable industrial development towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.” GMIS also saw the signing of a MOU between ZonesCorp and Department of Economic Development. During the signing H.E. Saeed Eisa Al Khyeli, Director General, ZonesCorp commented: “The memorandum between two major parties will have profound impact will help achieve the economic vision of Abu Dhabi and its objective of building a sustainable national economy based on non-oil industries driven by innovation and knowledge. It is important to establish more partnerships between all economic establishments and departments operating in Abu Dhabi, which helps benefit the economic performance and reinforce the competitive capabilities of the national economy”. He added: ‘’The coordination and cooperation through this memorandum between ZonesCorp and The Department and of Economic Development will help further Abu Dhabi’s position on the global economic map, and attract more foreign investments, enhance the performance of the economic sector work force, and activate the private sector’s role, motivate entrepreneurship, as well as steer support towards SME’s in the trade and industrial sector‘’. In addition, ZonesCorp launched two major development projects that will be major contributors to the economy of the Emirate. The first was Rahayel, a fully integrated, Auto Hub designed to create a dynamic, integrated environment for all auto related businesses to thrive while elevating the shopping and service experience for customers. The development will feature world class physical infrastructure and operational and regulatory structure that will ensure the proper allocation of land, a regulated planning and construction process, and occupational and environmental best practice. Rahayel will also be a significant contributor to the national economy and the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision, creating skilled jobs, fostering Emiratisation and furthering the knowledge economy of the UAE. The second development launched by ZonesCorp during GMIS is a 300,000sqm, state of the art, prefabricated, warehousing complex in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICADIII) aimed at supporting the SME sector in particular. |
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