The Industrial Development Bureau of the Department of Economic Development (IDB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Ports to establish a joint-programme that will help attract industrial investments.
The MoU, signed at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development by Ayman Al-Makkawy, director general of the Industrial Development Bureau, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO Abu Dhabi Ports, is built on the foundation of knowledge-exchange.
The agreement establishes a framework for mutual cooperation and collaboration, strengthening dialogue between the two organisations and deepening technical know-how on how best to facilitate industrial growth for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Al-Makkawy said: “This agreement, and the resulting advancement in expanding current service-offerings, falls within the framework of IDB’s objectives of developing and implementing policies, plans and programmes as well as providing organisational, legal and environmental guidance for the development and construction of industrial projects in the emirate.”
He explained that the IDB manages and facilitates all industrial licenses, supervision and controls relating to industrial projects in the emirate in coordination with the concerned entities.
“This agreement will raise the standards of service and together with Abu Dhabi Ports, we can further get acquainted with the needs of investors as well as expand and develop the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a business-friendly environment and place for investment,” he said.
In addition, Al Makkawy highlighted efforts to further facilitate the issuance process of industrial licenses the bureau will be appointing a dedicated service within Kizad’s One Stop Shop in Taweela. Having on-the-ground representation will allow the Industrial Development Bureau to provide guidance and the necessary support to investors, he said.
Al Shamisi said: “With Abu Dhabi Ports focusing efforts on strengthening stakeholder relations, we are able to deliver on our commitment to drive value for our customers and for the Emirate. This agreement will witness further coordination, cooperation and focused efforts in developing the industrial sector of the Emirate. Together with the IDB our aim is to help achieve the objectives set out by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision.”
“Khalifa Industrial Zone [Kizad] offers outstanding access to markets, world-class infrastructure and dedicated investor support – combined with services and facilitations offered by the IDB, we are bound to position the Emirate as the ideal choice for industrial investments,” he added.
As part of the collaborative efforts, Abu Dhabi Ports and the IDB will hold regular senior management meetings to keep up-to-date on industry news and identify possible investment potentials.
The MoU will also establish specialised teams, including Investor Relations, Utilities Management and Facilitation, Industrial Sector Development as well as Marketing and Promotions, dedicated to discussing and assigning solutions to improve and develop services, and to address and resolve any constraints on the further development of Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector.
Abu Dhabi Ports’ Kizad and the IDB will also look to host joint employee training programmes and industry workshops to keep competencies up-to-date with global best-practices.
