Ghana Leader says Ghana could learn from Jafza's experience

He made the remarks during talks with Ms Salma Hareb, CEO of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority at the Jafza Head Office.

Mr Mahama said, "We are here to see for ourselves how it has happened here. We do not want to reinvent the wheel when it concerns economic development. We can learn from you."

The Ghanaian Vice President was on an official visit to Dubai, at the head of a powerful delegation that included Deputy Minister of Foreign affairs Akwasi Osei-Adjei, Ambassador Rashid Bawa, and other senior officials.

The visitors were given a detailed presentation of Jafza's achievements and future plans, including the synergy that will be created when the Dubai World Central International Airport is completed in Jebel Ali.

The visitors were also briefed on expansion plans for Jebel Ali Port, including a massive boost to the port's capacity from the present 7-8 million TEU to 67 million TEU by the year 2030.

Giving a run-down of some of the high profile international companies operating out of the Free Zone, Jafza Executive Vice President Ibrahim Mohammed Al Janahi said, "Jebel Ali Free Zone is unique because it is the only place where dozens of multinational companies do business in such proximity to one another."

There are over 5,400 companies established in Jafza, including several Fortune 500 firms and dozens of internationally renowned brands.

Ghana, a prime exporter of cocoa, timber and minerals, has a growing trade link with Dubai.

Latest figures show a huge 41 percent jump in exports. Between 2004 and 2005, exports to Ghana rose from Dirhams 18.04 million to Dirhams 30.69 million.

Imports registered a 14.5 percent increase for the same period, from Dirhams 46.20 million to Dirhams 54.03 million.