High-level Chinese delegation visits Jafza, praises free zone initiatives

Ibrahim Al Janahi, Senior Vice President - Commercial Sales - of Jafza, and other senior officials from the free zone and the port received the distinguished guests at the Wheel House. The visit and the discussions reflected the strong and continuously growing economic ties between China and Dubai in which the free zone plays a major role.

The delegation, which included senior ministers and government officials, was provided with a detailed briefing on the free zone's operations, with particular emphasis on the services and incentives Jafza offers to its clients. The discussions covered areas of mutual interest, prospects of further strengthening ties, and also the successful operation of Chinese firms based in the free zone.

Ibrahim Al Janahi said:

"The visit by such a high-profile delegation underlined the importance China has attached to Jafza in boosting bilateral trade ties."

"The country is one of Dubai's top trading partners and is also an important destination for Dubai World's overseas investments. The free zone handles a large part of the trade between the two economies and is also home to more than 800 successful Chinese firms. Jafza is proud to showcase the excellence we have achieved in developing customer-oriented initiatives. The words of praise from His Excellency Li Ke-Qiang and his accompanying delegates are inspiring for Jafza, and reflect the level of trust and confidence we have attained over the years," he added.

Following the meeting, a tour of the free zone was organized for the visiting VIP delegation which comprised You Quan, Deputy Secretary General of the State Council, Wang Guangya, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zhang Guobao, Vice Minister of National development and Reform Commission, Gao Yusheng, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, Gao You Zhen, Chinese Consul General, Gao Hucheng, Vice Minister of Commerce, Liu Shiyu, deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China, and Ning Jizhe, Deputy Director of the Research Office of the State Council, were part of the delegation accompanying the First Vice Premier.

The visit is the latest in a series of interactions between Dubai World entities and China which aimed at further developing the economic ties between both parties.

China achieved top position among Dubai's trading partners in import in 2008, with Dhs40.5bn worth of goods imported during January-September. According to Dubai World's Statistics Department, China also topped the list in non-oil foreign trade through free zones and customs warehouses, with Dhs28bn.