- Total of 15 companies have signed contracts with Jiangsu Provincial Overseas Cooperation and Investment Company Limited (JOCIC)
- $1 billion total investment so far
- Three new Chinese companies to enter into investment agreements
- Abu Dhabi Ports and JOCIC host Chinese delegation to raise awareness of opportunities in the Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KPFTZ)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Following an investment cooperation agreement concluded last year, Abu Dhabi Ports and the Jiangsu Provincial Overseas Cooperation and Investment Company Limited (JOCIC) announced that 15 Chinese companies have signed agreements to invest in Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KPFTZ), the largest free zone in the Middle East, totaling $1 billion in value.
Under the terms of last years’ agreement, China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation (Jiangsu) Construction Management Co., Ltd., a UAE company established by JOCIC, would occupy and develop approximately 2.2 square kilometres of the free trade zone for companies from the Chinese province of Jiangsu. This area, now dubbed as the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Industrial Park, is part of the KPFTZ and is expandable to reach 12.2 square kilometres.
Abu Dhabi Ports and JOCIC also revealed that preliminary work required before commencement of construction will soon reach completion with a ground-breaking date anticipated within the coming month.
These new milestones highlight the commitment of both the UAE and China to develop the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Industrial Park as an important landmark, supporting both the Chinese “Belt and Road” initiative as well as the UAE Vision 2021.
Commenting on the occasion, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “Thanks to the direction and guidance of the UAE leadership, KIZAD has established its reputation as an attractive investment and trade hub for entities around the world looking to expand in the region. Our value proposition, connectivity and state-of-the-art infrastructure, as well as our strategic partnership with JOCIC, has been pivotal in cementing our position in the Chinese market and enhancing our competitive advantage.
“Last year, Abu Dhabi Ports and JOCIC took the first steps to a promising future relationship that will bolster economic and trade ties between our two countries even further in addition to supporting each nations growth strategy. Today, we celebrate a key milestone in our collaboration and look forward to the continued success of the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Industrial Park,” he added.
Mr. Luo Hua, Chairman of JOCIC, also remarked on the initial success of the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Industrial Park saying: “This project is an important cornerstone in China and UAE’s bilateral industrial agreement and one that is highly valued by the leadership of both countries. Thanks to the incredible support and cooperation by the UAE and Chinese governments, as well as Abu Dhabi Ports, progress on this project has been efficient. As more and more organizations have begun to cast their eyes towards Abu Dhabi and to develop an interest in investing in the UAE – the prospects for potential projects are bright and KIZAD and its free zone are rapidly growing in stature in China.”
The Chinese companies investing in KPFTZ come from varied sectors, including construction, metals, chemicals, trade and logistics, packaging, and food & beverage, which are supporting local industries and creating new job opportunities for the UAE workforce.
