ABU DHABI: The master developer, operator and manager of ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone in the Emirate – presented the integrated offerings of Khalifa Port and Kizad at an exclusive business event in Abu Dhabi.
Organised by Abu Dhabi Ports in association with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to UAE and the Chinese Business Council, the invitation-only event for Chinese businessmen attracted over 80 top Chinese businessmen from across the UAE.
The value proposition represented by Kizad, the integrated trade and industrial hub of Abu Dhabi, and Khalifa Port, the maritime gateway to Abu Dhabi, were detailed in the half-day event titled “Opportunities in Abu Dhabi―A Global Trade, Manufacturing and Logistics Hub”.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Mr He Song, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese embassy in the UAE, and Captain Wang Song, Chairman of the Chinese Business Council. Mana Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla, Chief Operating Officer, Kizad delivered the welcome address.
“Abu Dhabi Ports values the collaboration of the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Business Council, who share a common goal of contributing to the economic development of the UAE. Our aim is to present a new platform of opportunities,” said Al Mulla.
“With Khalifa Port at Kizad’s door step, the outstanding access to markets, world-class infrastructure and tailored solutions available, will prove attractive to Chinese businesses and I am confident that our offerings have the potential to support their efforts to boost trade ties between China and the UAE,” he continued.
Mr He applauded the efforts of Abu Dhabi Ports in reaching out to the Chinese business community: “There are many Chinese investors keen to expand their businesses into China’s largest Middle East market. This event will contribute to the bilateral economic relations between China and the UAE. Exploring new opportunities to further invest in attracting additional businesses to the emirates is a welcomed initiative.”
The industrial zone also provides solutions to meet investors’ evolving requirements, and has recently launched Phase 2 of its Kizad Logistics Park warehouses. Currently Kizad has around 90 national and international investors, and a total of 13 million square metres of land leased that represents a total investment of more than AED 55 billion.
Khalifa Port recorded a 32% annual growth in 2015 making it the fastest growing port in the Middle East with an existing capacity to handle 2.5 million TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units/containers) and 12 million tonnes of general cargo. Khalifa Port currently serves over 20 shipping lines – three of which are Chinese – and is directly linked with more than 52 destination ports – 10 of them being based in China.
