Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) recently welcomed a delegation from the US Consulate in Dubai, led by the Hon Justin H. Siberell, who was appointed to the position of General Consul in August 2009.
The delegation, which was visiting Ras Al Khaimah on official business, was received by RAK FTZ’s Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qassimi, and CEO, Oussama El Omari, and representatives of various departments in the free zone, who shared the free zone’s strategy and briefed them on its history and progress as well its latest and planned projects in Ras Al Khaimah.
During the meeting, the Consul General expressed interest in strengthening ties with RAK FTZ and the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and discussed possible avenues for future collaboration aimed at encouraging American investment in the emirate, which has already proven its ability to attract US businesses and investors. Out of the approximately 700 American Companies present in the UAE, 163 are registered with Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone. In 2009, the free zone established offices in New York and Miami and has plans to further expand its presence in the US market in the near future.
Commenting after the meeting, El Omari said “Currently, the UAE is the US’ biggest trading partner in the region, and the two countries have a solid relationship, built on strong economic and political ties, but there is still a lot of room to grow and develop these bonds, especially when it comes to encouraging American Businesses to branch out and set up here.â€
“The US market holds a lot of potential. With nearly a quarter of the total number of American companies in the UAE registered with us, it’s obvious that RAK FTZ has what many US businesses and investors are looking for,†El Omari added. “We are confident that we have the right products for the US market; so for us, the main challenge is to increase awareness about who we are and what we have to offer. We have enjoyed a good relationship with former Consul General’s offices, and we appreciate Consul General Siberell’s interest in visiting us and strengthening this connection. This meeting was a great opportunity for us to explore ways our offices can continue to work together and expand the scope of our collaborations.â€
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) is a world-class business hub and a vehicle for industrial growth and development. The Free Trade Zone, with its cutting-edge technology and keen customer focus, offers on-demand and custom-built support services to investors in a cost-effective and flexible environment. The Free Trade Zone also offers a range of unique services, which include legal, human resources and marketing assistance.
RAK FTZ has created a unique four Parks system comprised of Business Park, Industrial Park, Technology Park and Al Ghayl Industrial Park, each of which offers identical advantages and benefits to investors. Backed by legislations allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership, a tax-free environment, transparent laws and 100 per cent capital and profit repatriation, the free trade zone is well positioned for global commerce.
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone is one of the fastest growing free trade zones, with companies from 106 countries around the globe. For more information, visit www.rakftz.com, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
