Jebel ALI Free Zone’s efforts to draw Indian firms to the hub is paying off with some 60 Indian companies signing up in 2015.

The new tenants are engaged in the fields of electronics, steel, construction and building materials, chemicals, petroleum products and FMCG, the UAE news agency WAM said.

There are some 800 Indian companies operating in the free zone. WAM said the large presence was an outcome of strong bilateral ties between the UAE and India and Jafza’s healthy reputation within the Indian business community.  

Jafza has been organising regular roadshows in India and the latest in the series was a three-city tour held recently in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and New Delhi. Over 300 senior investors and Indian businessmen from various sectors attended seminars to learn about the attractive investment environment in Dubai and Jafza, the news agency said. The business seminar in New Delhi was attended by Ahmad bin Harib Al Falahi, UAE commercial and trade attache to India.

Opportunities for healthcare companies was Jafza’s focus in Hyderabad, one of the leading destinations for medical tourism in India. Adil Al Zarooni, senior vice president-sales, presented an outline of the pharmaceutical industry in Jafza and highlighted efforts by the government to promote Dubai as a regional destination for medical tourism.

He introduced attendees to Dubai’s emerging health sector and its state-of-the-art hospitals and medical centres that would require equipment and services, presenting broad prospects for Indian companies experienced in the field.

Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi, deputy CEO and chief commercial officer, said: “Historically, India has been a strategic partner of the UAE and Dubai. Jafza began operations 31 years ago and since then, Indian investors have trusted us and have played a key role in its growth by establishing their businesses and production lines there.

“Over the years, we have continued to build a stronger business relationship with India through mutual annual visits. The exchange of trade between the two sides has grown continuously, with new companies registering here every year. Through Jafza, they too have expanded their businesses and reached out to newer markets in the region.” 

Al Janahi added that Jafza aimed to build long-term economic partnerships with the Indian business community by providing the appropriate trade environment.