Dubai’s Export Development Corporation (EDC) and the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza), a member of Economic Zones World, have signed an MoU confirming their joint commitment to contribute to Dubai’s economic development by fostering its external trade potential.
“EDC predicts a 10 per cent increase in the export performance of Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafz)-based companies in terms of exports value, market reach and enhanced operational efficiency post the rolling out of this agreement,” a joint statement said.
The relationship will allow EDC, in close coordination with the Jafza management, to efficiently implement its service offerings to Jafz-based exporters, it added.
 “EDC will further ensure that Jebel Ali Free Zone companies are well positioned to maximising their business potential. It will also have access to relevant trade information regarding free zone companies which will assist in the development of subcontractor relationships in the emirate,” the statement said.
Commenting on the MoU, Salma Hareb, CEO, Economic Zones World, said Jafza was keen on creating strategic partnerships with various corporations and authorities with the aim of developing and facilitating the business of companies based in the free zone.
“The signing of this MoU with EDC underlines our commitment to support the export growth thereby enhancing the development of the national economy.
“The Jebel Ali Free Zone is home to a multitude of leading export-focused companies. The MoU will create more opportunities for these businesses to expand into newer regions in addition to reinforcing their status in the countries they operate.”
By sharing relevant information and ideas through close customer interaction, the two parties aimed to further simplify export procedures. The partnership would continue to enhance the free zone’s position as an ideal base from where to conduct re-export activities, Hareb said.
Saed Al Awadi, CEO, Export Development Corporation, said the MoU reaffirmed the commitment of both EDC and Jafza to the economic development of Dubai.
“EDC provides a ‘one stop sho’ for information, assistance and training to businesses to enable them to enhance their exports. The agreement will see both EDC and Jafza promoting each other’s services and further cementing ‘Made in Dubai’ as a stamp of quality.”
The EDC Exporter Assistance Model helps exporters in three main areas. In Export Preparation, potential and new exporters are provided with information to aid them in preliminary processes. In Export Facilitation, existing exporters are helped to increase export volumes and broaden markets and in International Assistance exporters are provided assistance in operating in international markets.
The Jebel Ali Free Zone is one of the largest and fastest growing entities of its kind in the world and Dubai’s biggest exporting zone. EDC was established in 2006 with the aim of enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai as a preferred trading partner by providing exporters with the services required to enter or expand foreign markets.