Irish trade delegation visits Dubai Airport Freezone, considers opening of regional offices

"Dubai has a strong positive reputation among corporate as well as private investors in Ireland. There are a number of Irish companies based in Dubai and the Dubai Airport Freezone and I am sure a lot more would be keen to tap the opportunities in the region," said Ms. Marina Donohoe, Executive Vice President Enterprise Ireland. "With excellent infrastructure and facilities at the Freezone, I am sure a lot of Irish companies would be delighted to set up operations here."

The delegation was received by Mr. Mohammed bin Suwailem, Sales Director and Mr. Hamad Yasin Al Ghaffari, Sales Executive. Mr. Suwailem held a presentation on the services and facilities offered to investors and the benefits of setting up a Freezone office such as full repatriation of capital and tax free income for members of the delegation.

Mr. Suwailem said a number of Irish companies are presently operating at the Freezone and in Dubai as well and he said we are keen to attract more investors from Ireland to come to Dubai and take advantage of the opportunities in the region. "Ireland is well known for its expertise in high tech industries and the UAE certainly would benefit from transfer of this technology knowledge. Dubai Airport Freezone would certainly be willing to open a larger window towards these Irish companies."

He added that Ireland is well known for its good quality products and services in the IT field. "Irish companies, I am sure will find in the Freezone a host of benefits and an excellent business environment and in the Gulf and Middle East a lucrative market for their products."

At the end of the presentation, delegates said they were impressed with the facilities and benefits on offer and expressed their interest in setting up a regional office at the Dubai Airport Freezone. Also discussed during the meeting was the current state of trade relations between the UAE and Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland is the government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the indigenous business sector. Its mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in global markets resulting in increased national and regional prosperity.

Through its extensive network of Irish and international offices it works with clients to assist them to compete and to grow.

Enterprise Ireland's five key areas of activity are: Achieving export sales, investing in research and innovation, competing through productivity, starting up and scaling up and driving regional enterprise

They also provide assistance for international companies who are searching for world-class Irish suppliers and help international companies who want to set up food and drink manufacturing operations in Ireland.