The growth is quite
significant especially that most of the new companies are large multi-nationals
and market leaders in their respective fields. 27 per cent of the new companies
are from Europe, 25 per cent from the GCC, 21 per cent from Asia Pacific, 9 per
cent from Americas and 18 per cent from Africa and West Asia. The biggest
number of investors comes from the developed world. In terms of countries, 11
per cent of the new companies are from the UK, 9 per cent from India, 5 per
cent each from Germany, France and China. 18 per cent of the new companies have
come from the Arab Spring countries.
The growth clearly
indicates shift in the outlook of developed economies about the Middle East as
a lucrative market apart from being one of the largest oil producing regions in
the world.
Trade remains the main driver of the Free Zone's growth. 83
per cent of the new companies are engaged in trading, 9 per cent in services
and 7 per cent in industrial activities.
The total number of
active companies in Jafza at the end of 2012
stood at 6,918. These companies are estimated to have generated business worth
USD 82 billion in the year, which accounts for more than a quarter of Dubai's
total non-oil trade. Jafza also accounts for half of Dubai's total exports.
Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi, Deputy CEO Jafza and
Chief Commercial Officer of EZW ,commenting on Jafza’s distinctive
growth in the number of new companies, said:
"Continued investor
interest in Jafza is quite assuring and
reaffirms strong resurgence in regional economies and, at the same time, shows
the growing importance of Middle East region for the developed, as well as,
developing economies across the world. This also cements Jafza 's status as the
region's gateway and the top trading and logistics centre."
The broader composition
of investors' interest reinforces Jafza and Dubai's strength as the Business and Trading hub of the
Middle East comprising West Asia, Africa, South Asia, and the CIS. The combined
GDP of the region exceeds USD 8 trillion.
The Middle East is
considered one of the world's most affluent and fastest growing regions. More
than USD 4 trillion is expected to be spent in the region on infrastructure
development in the next 10 years.
Some of the leading names
that joined Jafza in 2012 include
Halliburton, Schlumberger, Sinopec, CNPC, Giordano, Bauer Kompressoren, NSK
Bearings, Manuchar, Fauchon Paris, Cryogenic Industries, Summit Construction
Equipment, Komatsu DSO, JX Nippon, Roche Diagnostics among others.
Jafza 's remarkable success in
attracting big multinationals is attributed to its unmatched logistics
strength, leveraged through its location between the region's two largest
enablers - Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum and Dubai International Airport, deep
commitment to excellence and efficiency and its investor friendly approach.
The economic outlook for
the Middle East looks quite good in 2013. Most of the oil exporting countries
in the region are expected to grow at healthy rates and these countries will
continue to focus on economic diversification. With the easing of the Arab
unrest fears the investments in developmental activities in the region are
expected to grow significantly in the year, opening huge opportunities for
global investors, who, in view of anemic growth in the US and EU's continued
downturn, are in the lookout for greener markets. Jafza , therefore,
expects the growth momentum to pick-up further in 2013.
should you require more clarifications please feel free to contact me on rupeshpr@hotmail.com
